The DHEA Breakthrough: Look younger, live longer, feel better: My Review

The DHEA Breakthrough by Stephen A. Cherniske
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Although somewhat outdated and a little oversimplified in parts, Stephen Cherniske, does provide some useful information about the therapeutic potential of DHEA when used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, such as good nutrition, stress reduction techniques, exercise and supplementation to increase energy and to protect bone and joint health. One must note, however, that many findings are not based on any long-term double blind clinical studies, which Cherniske does objectively declare throughout the book.

It is incorrect that by the age of 50, growth hormone production in most individuals is too low to measure, as stated on page 57. Indeed, recent work demonstrates that some patients around this age actually suffer from adult growth hormone deficiency - due to pituitary gland damage - and thus require prescription supplementation via daily injections (obviously, not all people of this age are shown to be deficient via GH stimulation testing).

I also wonder where the author draws his evidence for stating that women were the primary inventors up until recently. Although he may have used some ethnographic evidence, one cannot apply such a sweeping notion to the whole of the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods. Indeed, the statement on p 107, “the first tools, it turns out, were not the weapons of men but the implements of women, which clothed, fed, and transported us through the ages.” is not backed up with any anthropological/archaeological credibility. Indeed, the first archaeological evidence we have for tools relate to those created by our predecessor Homo habilis, and not by modern humans at all. Additionally, many experiments and modern analyses conducted on Paleolithic stone tools have shown that many may have been used for butchering purposes. This would suggest a hunting or more male dominated role. Similarly, the subsequent Mesolithic period (following the last Ice Age) shows that modern humans invented a whole new stone tool tradition (called microliths), where tiny tools were adapted and utilized in order to hunt smaller woodland animals (e.g., deer). I could go on but I am veering off course. However, the author really needs to be more precise about what he is referring to.

All that aside, Cherniske has provided some compelling arguments about why one should consider DHEA as an important facet of good health and longevity. I, for one, shall be discussing this issue with my endocrinologist at my next appointment.



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Pituitary disease: Getting the word out

According to the Pituitary Network Association, one in five people throughout the globe may have an abnormal growth on their pituitary gland. If left untreated, some of these may harm the body’s natural hormonal function and result in an inferior quality of life or even worse, a shortened lifespan. Unfortunately, due to the lack of public recognition about pituitary disease, it can take years for someone with such a disorder to obtain the right diagnosis. It is important, therefore, to get the word out, as many individuals may be suffering needlessly. There is help if you take the time and make the effort to empower yourself or others around you that may be experiencing this ailment.

What is the pituitary gland?

The pituitary is a tiny, pea-sized endocrine gland, which is attached to the base of the brain. It sits in the middle of the head in a bony nook called the sella turcica and is connected by the pituitary stalk to the region of the brain known as the hypothalamus. Don’t let this tiny little gland fool you, though. This modest gland is considered a “master control gland’ as it plays a crucial role in the regulation of the secretion of a cocktail of hormones throughout the body. It sends chemical messages to the adrenal glands, thyroid glands, ovaries and testes, instructing them to produce cortisol, thyroid hormone, estrogen, testosterone and more. These hormones have significant effects on vital bodily functions and development, such as height, metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality and reproduction. Thus, disruptive pituitaries can cause an imbalance of hormones that in turn cause considerable repercussions for their landlords. One of the main perpetrators of pituitary dysfunction is a pituitary tumor, which can lead to the overproduction or decrease of one or more hormones. Too little or too much of a pituitary hormone can result in a wide assortment of symptoms. These types of tumors are usually not cancerous (benign) and are often referred to as adenomas but can cause endocrine disorders such as cushing’s syndrome, prolactinoma, hyperthyroidism, hypopituitarism and acromegaly.

What are some of the signs and symptoms of pituitary disease?

The following symptoms are not totally inclusive, and vary depending on the specific condition and the patient involved. However, a list is provided here as a mere guide:

· Headaches

· Visual disturbances

· Irregular menses

· Infertility

· Lactating

· Impotence

· Sexual dysfunction

· Unusual hair growth/loss

· Fatigue

· Sleep dysfunction

· Depression

· Irritability

· Anxiety

· Loss of memory/cognitive dysfunction

· Muscle weakness

· Eating disorders

· Nausea/vomiting

· Belly pain

· Acne

· Weight gain

· Diabetes

· High blood pressure

· Heartburn/GERD

· Rapid heart rate

Be your own advocate!

Having been diagnosed with a Prolactinoma (prolactin secreting tumor) around 10 years ago, and then several years later having endured a severe decline in my overall health, I am now undergoing tests for suspected cyclical cushing’s disease. For many years, I bounced around between numerous doctors desperately trying to find out why I had so many debilitating symptoms, which eventually resulted in the loss of my much-loved career, financial security and happy social life. Both my GPs and endocrinologists advised me that my prolactinoma was being sufficiently managed with prescribed medication and that there was no reason why I should feel so dreadfully ill. It was not apparent to the medical community that 10% of such growths could be co-functioning and that the tumor can actually switch on and off. It was only when I discovered the Pituitary Network Association (PNA) that my quest began to locate the right doctors (for me, it was a pituitary endocrinologist)… I had finally realized that pituitary/hormonal disease was far more complicated than the general medical community was geared up for and that I needed someone in the right field of healthcare (i.e. a specialist in pituitary disease rather than just someone with a general knowledge of all endocrine disorders). Few doctors truly understand pituitary/hormonal disease. However, with the right tools and appropriate treatment from experienced doctors, your disorders can hopefully be cured/controlled and you can get back on track with your life. At this point in time, I don’t know whether or not I have cyclical Cushing’s disease, but at least I feel more empowered by understanding that I am more responsible for my overall well-being in life than anyone else on this planet, and that I need to be more proactive in both educating myself and others about pituitary disease. I hope you will get involved too!

More information can be found at the Pituitary Network Association – http://www.pituitary.org/intro.aspx

Your most important asset: Your health

Generally, it is not until we personally suffer from a serious or chronic health issue that we truly understand how dramatic an impact it can have on our lives. We often take so much for granted in this world, as if we expect to live the same way indefinitely. Poor health, however, can rob us of the many wonderful things that we normally possess, such as a rewarding career, good social life, and even the simple privilege of feeling independent. It can thus dramatically impact our financial stability, personal relationships and future goals.

Such a scenario can also affect our loved ones such as family members, close friends, and co-workers, who often have to step in because of our physical limitations. It is crucial, therefore, that we take preventative measures to in order to avoid or alleviate damage to our bodies before it leads to a situation that may become irreversible. It is inevitable that our bodies will age and deteriorate over time, but there are simple measures that we can take in order to maintain as healthy a lifestyle as possible. Indeed, we endeavor to protect our material belongings in the form of repairing, cleaning and insuring them (preventative conservation), so aren’t we being remiss by not looking after ourselves?

Growing up in the western hemisphere, I felt confident that the medical profession had a solid understanding of the human body and that no matter what illness they faced, doctors would by and large be able to diagnose and treat it, accordingly – Ahhh! Those blissful days of pure ignorance… However, the reality is that this is often not the case. Although modern medical care has improved enormously over the last few decades, we are nevertheless a far cry from where we need to be and, as patients, it is important to be proactive in our overall well-being.

As expected, the majority of government funding is directed towards research for the most common types of disorders, such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes, and so forth. Millions of people (excluding those from third world countries) therefore continue to suffer with other less common chronic problems that may either go undiagnosed or be misdiagnosed… And in some cases, even if they are diagnosed correctly, they may still not be treated sufficiently due to the lack of appropriate treatments that are available for some types of illness. Indeed, some medications carry hefty side effects with them but there is sometimes nothing else available due to lack of clinical trials for that particular disease.

It is crucial, therefore, that you do your homework and make sure that you ask your doctor the right questions. Your doctor is certainly responsible for assisting in your overall medical treatment, but who cares about your future more than you do?

Further information

* WebMD - Better Information, Better Health

* Dr. Andrew Weil – Trusted Health Advisor (Mind & Body)