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        New Message Board Archives >> Medications, Treatments, Therapies 2002 >> DHEA
        
(Message started by: kaos on Jul 19^th, 2002, 9:28am)

Title: DHEA
Post by kaos on Jul 19^th, 2002, 9:28am

Greetings! Just wondered if anyone has experienced bad reactions to DHEA ?
It was prescribed because prednisone apparently affects production of DHEA and our GP thought it might help. It sure didn't seem to! Within 3 hrs headaches started and occurred at 2 -3 hourly intervals throughout the day and until night. Intense and more frequent the Imitrex working for only 2 - 3 hours,where it usually gives 4-6 hours relief. Mopar's stopped taking it anyway - don't want another day like that one! Sure used up the Imitrex! ::)

We'd be interested to hear if anyone else has had similar results.
Cheers and happy daze
Kaos

Title: Re: DHEA
Post by Jaybee on Jul 30^th, 2002, 8:04pm

I think DHEA is a trigger for me. I tried it as I thought a boost in some of the hormones that are anti-inflammitory, but no relief, probably things got worse.

I have had better results with melatonin, though like most things cluster, there is no silver bullet. I use time released melatonin, and usually get some pain-free sleep.

Title: Re: DHEA
Post by Ueli on Jul 30^th, 2002, 8:18pm

..... which shows once more that these wellness fad nutritional additives are not always just useless, sometimes they are outright harmful. :( >:( :'(

Title: Re: DHEA
Post by Jaybee on Jul 31^st, 2002, 6:18am

Both DHEA and melatonin are hormones. Like cortisone or other hormones, they can do good if used properly, or harm if used improperly. The fact that they are available as 'food supplements' and the fact that doctors don't have them on their list of things to prescribe are accidents of the American political process. Americans are free to use them, but they have to think for themselves.

DHEA probably increases testosterone in males over 30 years of age... and cluster headaches favor men over women (5:1). Easy to see how DHEA might be bad for clusters.

Melatonin is involved in circadian rythms, which are pretty messed up in most cluster heads. Melatonin is made from serotonin, another thing that is usually messed up (very low/limiting melatonin production) in cluster heads. Taking melatonin tablets can help reset the daily rythms if taken in the evening.

Belief Group 1: Food supplements are inherently safe and effective. Belief Group 2: Food supplements have no effects, but do have side effects.

The truth is out there. But not in the camps of the true believers.

Title: Re: DHEA
Post by firebrix on Aug 3^rd, 2002, 5:04pm

Well, thanx guys. :D ;) ;D

Appreciate your input. DHEA is not a success story.
Interesting what you came up with - we do agree with you Ueli, but our doc suggested it might help - we do not just grab alleged treatments and gulp them willy nilly!

Touched that you put so much thought into this Jaybee!

Wishing you PFDAN peace and joy
firebrix ex kaos

Title: Re: DHEA
Post by JonB on Aug 3^rd, 2002, 7:01pm

DHE or DHEA?

Title: Re: DHEA
Post by firebrix on Aug 3^rd, 2002, 10:19pm

Definitely DHEA. Dehydroeplandrosterone to give it it's full mouthful.
Different from DHE.
Thanx guys
firebrix