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PSA levels and DHEA

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Prostate Cancer
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Posted 10/27/2016 12:33 AM (GMT 0)
I am trying to get some idea of the affect of taking the supplement DHEA and PSA test levels.

I have been taking DHEA for years, and now am experiencing a rise in PSA levels - last test about 8. I am wondering if the DHEA supplement might be playing a role. Seems my DRE is not concerning, no trouble urinating. I am being hounded to have a biopsy, but hesitate.
Posted 10/27/2016 4:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Walter,
I don't know what that supplement is, but there are many reasons a psa might rise. A lot depends upon how rapid the rise and how consistent. I'm sure if you give us your psa history more guys will chime in about the advisability of a bx at this juncture.
Beth
Posted 10/27/2016 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Why are you taking a DHEA supplement? Were you diagnosed with low DHEA? Have you seen a urologist? Who is hounding you? How big is your prostate? Was that a sudden jump in PSA or a steady rise? How old are you? African-American? Family history of PC?
Posted 10/29/2016 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
DHEA tends to go down in men as they get older. Many believe it's important to supplement as it can keep testosterone levels "normal" in men thus contributing to higher energy, better immunity, etc. In some men, DHEA contributes to conversion to estrogen instead of testosterone which can aggravate the prostate. I was taking DHEA supplements and discontinued about 2 years ago just to rule out issues contributing to my high PSA levels (which continued to rise anyway).

You can get more information on this at www.lef.org (Life Extension Foundation) which is a great resource for nutritional supplements.

In my case, I did notice my testosterone levels diminish considerably when I stopped taking DHEA although this may have been due to other variables; just don't know. If you're experiencing sudden high PSA levels, you should probably discontinue until you get to the bottom of what's causing your PSA to spike.

There's a DHEA supplement that will not convert to estrogens you can purchase also. You'll find info on this at that life extension foundation site, too.

Hope this is helpful.
Posted 8/26/2017 4:23 PM (GMT 0)
DHEA can definitely, definitely raise your PSA. I went from 1.5 to close to 4.5 I am on Testosterone injections and the Urologist saw my PSA spike dramatically and said, "we can take you off the Testosterone for a month, or do a biopsy. I elected to go off the T for a month. At the time I was taking 25 mg of DHEA. I decide to go off the DHEA, because I had heard it could raise you PSA. Low and behold, when I got my blood work again, the PSA dropped back down to 1.5 and never went back up when I restarted the Testosterone. The DHEA can be dangerous, especially at higher levles and must be closely monitored.
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