MCTD Support Group
Mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) or Sharp's syndrome is a human autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the body. MCTD combines features of polymyositis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic scleroderma and is thus considered an overlap syndrome. MCTD commonly causes joint pain/swelling, Raynaud phenomenon, muscle inflammation, and scarring of...
Do any of you take DHEA supplements, and if so, do you notice a difference in how you feel? I recently got some blood work done and my DHEA levels are practically nonexistent. So I started Googling and found out that DHEA is sometimes used as a treatment for lupus. The OTC supplements are 25 mg. capsules. I called my rheumatologist, who said to start with that and increase as tolerated up to a maximum therapeutic dose of 200 mg./day.
Because DHEA is a precursor to other hormones (like testosterone and estrogen), it's supposed to help with everything from weight gain to depression and libido. Which would be great, except that if you take too much, it can lead to irreversible side effects because it could cause too much testosterone production. I don't want to get a deeper voice and a full beard. :)
Because DHEA is a precursor to other hormones (like testosterone and estrogen), it's supposed to help with everything from weight gain to depression and libido. Which would be great, except that if you take too much, it can lead to irreversible side effects because it could cause too much testosterone production. I don't want to get a deeper voice and a full beard. :)
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My 6mo twin DD's are EBF and just started rice cereal on the first. Everything has been going fine except this morning one of them had a diaper rash (lots of redness around her anus). I read this as one of the signs of an allergy. BUT I did just buy a different brand diaper yesterday (which they have used randomly before w/no issues). Do you think its the cereal or the diaper? Im ready to start...
I then had to catch an ambulance to emergency and wound up in Brisbane RBH Cardiac ward for a week with Pericarditis. The Cardiac guys stopped all other drugs and hit me with 50mg of pred (and other stuff) a day for a week and tapered it down.
Finally off pred now but on Plaqinil 200mg per day and Rehumy wats to start me on Imuran too ... more chemicals ... sheesh
Personally I think I was over doing the exercise with no form of anti inflamatory drugs and was probably asking for it ... the DHEA was probably boosting me a bit so I got more active.
When I was taking DHEA I did notice an morning energy boost and felt more alert. A lot of gym junkies use it to boost themselves.
Just dont take too much ... It won't cure anything in my opinion but make make you feel better or level you out somewhat.
According to my GP our DHEA levels decrease as we get older ... he also supplements with it so I figured it was worth a try.
If you start growing a beard I would say your taking way too much ... hope this helps :-)