DHEA: Effects and Best Practices
JP: Many people are taking DHEA these days. Is it true that after a month of DHEA use, it will increase estrogen levels in males and testosterone levels in females?
Dr. S: That’s true, though the effect depends on the dosage and the individual. You don’t want to start the average female on 50 mg of DHEA right away. Even 25 mg is too much in most cases. I recommend starting at around 10–12 mg and increasing in 5 mg increments as needed. For males, I usually begin with 25 mg.
JP: Should you cycle on and off DHEA after a certain period?
Dr. S: If you’re under 40 for males or under 35 for females, you should cycle DHEA. Above those ages, there’s no need—your natural production has already declined significantly.
It’s also important to note that taking DHEA and testosterone together is a mistake. When used simultaneously, they can convert into excess estrogen!
The Best Delivery Methods for DHEA and Testosterone
JP: What are the best forms of delivery for DHEA and testosterone?
Dr. S: Sublingual delivery works best for DHEA. For testosterone, creams and injections are most effective, though I prefer the cream form.
JP: Which cream is better, Androgel or Testim?
Dr. S: Good question. Here’s the difference: Androgel leads to higher total testosterone levels, while Testim results in higher free testosterone levels, which is actually more desirable. Another factor is scent—women tend to prefer the smell of Testim over Androgel.
Testosterone Replacement and Anti-Aging Therapies
JP: What are your thoughts on testosterone replacement and anti-aging therapies?
Dr. S: I strongly support testosterone replacement, and not just for men. Testosterone is one of the most underprescribed hormones for women. Depending on the case, I may recommend a woman use a packet of Testim or Androgel every four or five days.
Melatonin is another effective anti-aging remedy. People with high cortisol levels often struggle with depression and sleep issues. Melatonin can help counter cortisol’s effects and improve sleep when taken before bed. The problem is that most people take too high a dose. Start low—1 to 2 mg—and gradually increase as needed.
Natural Alternatives to Steroids for Women
JP: Let’s go back to testosterone for a moment. What would you recommend to a woman interested in experimenting with steroids? Are there any natural alternatives?
Dr. S: My first question would be: Why do you want to use steroids? Is it for health reasons or performance enhancement? As a physician, I can’t prescribe steroids for performance purposes. However, if she asked whether a female can compete at a high level without them, my honest answer would be…
[At this point, the background noise in the restaurant was so loud that my recorder barely picked up the conversation.]
…there’s a product in development containing tribulus, avena sativa, longjack, and other key ingredients. We tested it on 19 women and found that, while total testosterone levels didn’t rise, free testosterone levels did in every case. The women couldn’t explain why, but they all reported feeling better. A product like this could help avoid many of the side effects steroids cause in women, such as menstrual irregularities, cholesterol imbalances, hair loss, and infertility.
How to Increase the Chances of Conceiving a Male
JP: That sounds promising. Keep us posted on its release. Speaking of fertility, I recall you once mentioning a way to increase the chances of conceiving a male. If I understood correctly, the more alkaline the environment, the better the odds of having a boy. Is that true?
Dr. S: Yes, that’s part of it, but other factors play a role. The male Y chromosome is faster but weaker, while the female X chromosome is stronger but slower, giving it a better survival rate. That’s why female conceptions are more common. If you want a better chance of having a boy, time intercourse as close to ovulation as possible. The environment is more alkaline at that point, which favors the Y chromosome’s survival.
Coming Up in Part 3
Tomorrow in Part 3, we’ll discuss hormone testing, how Dr. Serrano addresses thyroid and adrenal issues, how licorice root can either promote fat gain or fat loss depending on how it’s used, and why fat loss training should differ slightly for men and women.
