7-Keto DHEA vs. DHEA: A Comparison
7-Keto DHEA is fast becoming one of the more popular health supplements on the market today.
Because of its long list of health benefits and minimal side effects, it is fast becoming the supplement of choice for people who are looking to lose weight, improve response to stress, and boost reproductive capabilities of males.
It is closely linked to its parent hormone DHEA, but there are specific differences between the two that make their effects (and side effects) highly contrasting with each other. This article aims to explore the similarities and differences between 7-Keto DHEA and DHEA.
7-Keto DHEA is one of the derivatives of DHEA, one of the most abundantly produced hormones in the human body. DHEA can be converted to 7-Keto DHEA by adding a hydroxyl group into DHEA’s chemical structure.
Just like with most chemical additions (or subtractions) in most biological compounds in the human body, this seemingly minor change is enough to cause significant changes in this compound’s action and function.
7-Keto DHEA may have more physiological effects compared to DHEA (the specifics will be explained later) while limiting the side effects associated with DHEA use.
Here is a list of the things 7-Keto DHEA can do in the human body. Any of the benefits in this list can be a compelling reason to take this supplement by itself, but its combination of benefits makes it such a highly intriguing all-around health supplement.
It Facilitates Weight Loss
For those who are trying to lose weight, both 7-Keto DHEA and DHEA provides some very interesting health benefits. Both of these supplements can help out overweight people by increasing basal metabolic weight and lowering appetite. You can use these supplements for weight loss even without physical activity.
However, it is at its most effective when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 7-keto also works more effectively when used in combination with other supplements such as vitamin D3 and green tea extract.
Controls Cortisol Levels
Cortisol is a hormone that is released during moments of stress. While beneficial in short bursts, chronic increase in cortisol can cause a wide range of detrimental effects, including excessive weight gain and increased fat deposition in arteries (which increases the risk of coronary heart disease).
With regular use of 7-keto, cortisol levels of patients were reduced. By helping in regulating cortisol levels, 7-keto DHEA can help in reducing the risk of diseases linked to excessive cortisol production.
Improved Male Reproductive Health
While DHEA may have a negative effect in men’s health due to hormonal imbalances, the use of 7-keto DHEA can actually improve your reproductive health.
Using 7-keto can help in normalizing testosterone and estrogen levels in males, which helps in improving fertility.
In a study, it has been discovered that there’s an increased production of sperm in patients who are regularly taking 7-keto DHEA. Men with fertility problems can potentially benefit with using 7-keto DHEA.
May Improve Mental Health And Performance
The use of 7-keto DHEA is also linked to improved neurologic health. This leads to improved mental performance and reduced risk of specific psychiatric ailments.
In animal studies, it has been observed that supplementation of 7-keto DHEA helps in reversing the effects of memory impairment.
This enhancing effect is more pronounced in younger mice, though the reason for this is still unknown. Also, in a study done on treatment-resistant PTSD patients, daily supplementation of 7-keto has led to symptomatic improvement.
Improved Immune Response
The use of 7-keto can enhance a patient’s immunity. In a study done, the supplementation of 7-keto DHEA caused faster replication of monocytes, cells that can engulf would-be intruders.
Also, 7- keto also activates T-lymphocyte receptors, which helps in enhancing replication of T-cells.
These 2 immune functions enhanced by 7-keto suggests that supplementation may help in improving immune function. Also, its stress-busting functions make 7-keto a logical means for improving overall immune function.
What makes 7-Keto DHEA stand out compared to DHEA? These differences are basically the reasons why 7-Keto has become a very popular alternative to using DHEA, which used to be one of the most popular natural supplements on the market. Here are some of the things that make 7-Keto different from DHEA.
- 7-Keto DHEA cannot be converted into sex hormones- The main difference between 7 keto DHEA and DHEA is the fact that 7 keto DHEA cannot be converted to sex hormones.
Since most of the side effects associated with the use of DHEA is linked to excessive production of testosterone and estrogen, you can enjoy the health benefits of 7-keto without dealing with the side effects associated with DHEA.
Both men and women will avoid reduced fertility and physical changes caused by excessive production of sex hormones. However, given that 7 keto has no effect on sex hormone levels, those who are looking for androgen/estrogen supplementation are better off using DHEA instead.
- Their effective uses are different- Because its use does not lead to production of sex hormones, the therapeutic use of 7-keto DHEA becomes significantly different from that of DHEA.
For those who are looking to lose weight (and possibly improve immunity, mental health, and fertility as well), going for 7-keto DHEA makes better sense. However, if you are aiming to reverse the effects of aging and reduce symptoms associated with menopause or andropause, then it is better to use DHEA instead.
Before taking any of these supplements, it is recommended that you ask the advice of a health professional to see which supplement is best for you.
There may be some limitations with the use of 7 keto DHEA as a health supplement, but it does bring a list of compelling properties that can benefit people with specific health problems.
Some of its possible benefits are still under investigation, but most of its benefits are already proven by both clinical trials and consumer reviews.
7 keto DHEA is not exactly better than DHEA, but it does bring its own unique set of benefits in the table. For your safety, make sure to consult your doctor first before trying out supplements such as these.
