4 mins read

Overview: 7-keto-DHEA is a hormone that is naturally made by your body. Supplements containing 7-keto-DHEA are sometimes used to increase physical performance and improve weight loss. However, very little research has been done to study this chemical, and its safety and benefits are not well defined. Before taking 7-keto-DHEA, tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any medicines or supplements you may be using.

Uses

What is 7-keto-DHEA used for?

7-keto-DHEA may be used to improve physical performance and increase weight loss, but its benefits for any use are not well defined.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed 7-keto-DHEA for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does 7-keto-DHEA work (mechanism of action)?

7-keto-DHEA comes from a chemical called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which is naturally made by your body. DHEA[1]  acts as a “precursor” to many of the hormones your body needs to function.

As you age, the levels of DHEA and 7-keto-DHEA in your body go down. But the actual function of 7-keto-DHEA in the body is not well understood. It seems to play a role in how your cells produce heat and energy from calories. As a result, it is most often used for improving physical performance and maintaining a healthy body weight. But very little research has been done to understand 7-keto-DHEA supplements, and it is not clear if or how they may work for any use.

How should I store 7-keto-DHEA?

You should store 7-keto-DHEA according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

 

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of 7-keto-DHEA?

There is not enough research to know what side effects may be caused by 7-keto-DHEA. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be side effects of 7-keto-DHEA that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of 7-keto-DHEA?

While less common, the most serious side effects of 7-keto-DHEA are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. 7-keto-DHEA may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking 7-keto-DHEA and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use 7-keto-DHEA?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take 7-keto-DHEA.

  • 7-keto-DHEA
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific 7-keto-DHEA products they stock.

What should I know about 7-keto-DHEA before using it?

7-keto-DHEA is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep 7-keto-DHEA out of the reach of children.

7-keto-DHEA is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes, whether they are in or out of competition. Learn more about the WADA Prohibited List here.

The FDA has not tested 7-keto-DHEA products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using 7-keto-DHEA?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know whether 7-keto-DHEA is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Thyroid problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. 7-keto-DHEA may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking 7-keto-DHEA, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how 7-keto-DHEA could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if 7-keto-DHEA passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

Interactions

Does 7-keto-DHEA interact with foods or drinks?

There is not enough research to know if 7-keto-DHEA interacts with foods or drinks, including alcohol.

Does 7-keto-DHEA interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

The interactions between 7-keto-DHEA and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with 7-keto-DHEA is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking 7-keto-DHEA with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much 7-keto-DHEA?

If you or someone else has used too much 7-keto-DHEA, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Read the product label closely and speak with a health care provider about how to take 7-keto-DHEA safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.