7-Keto-Dhea

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone, 3beta-acetoxy-androst-5-ene-7,17-dione, 3-acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione, 5-androsten-3-beta-17-one-DHEA, 7-Keto, 7-Keto Dehydroepiandrosterone, 7-Keto Déhydroépiandrostérone, 7-Keto DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA Acetate, 7-Keto-DHEA-THP, 7-keto dehydroepiandrosterone, 7-ketodehydroepiandrostenedione, 7-ODA, 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone-3-acetate, 7-oxo-DHEA, 7-oxo-DHEA-acetate, Acétate 7-Keto DHEA.

Overview

7-keto-DHEA is a by-product of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a chemical that is formed in the body. DHEA is a "parent hormone" produced by glands near the kidneys. But unlike DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen and estrogen. Taking 7-keto-DHEA by mouth or applying it to the skin does not increase the level of steroid hormones in the blood.

People take 7-keto-DHEA to speed up the metabolism and heat production to promote weight loss. 7-keto-DHEA is also used to improve lean body mass and build muscle, increase the activity of the thyroid gland, boost the immune system, enhance memory, and slow aging.

How does it work?

7-keto-DHEA might promote weight loss by speeding up the body's metabolism.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Promoting weight loss. Developing research suggests that 7-keto-DHEA might significantly help obese women lose weight and fat.
  • Improving lean body mass.
  • Building muscle.
  • Increasing activity of the thyroid gland.
  • Boosting the immune system.
  • Enhancing memory.
  • Reducing signs of aging.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of 7-keto-DHEA for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

There isn't enough information available to know if 7-keto-DHEA is safe for use.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of 7-keto-DHEA during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of 7-keto-DHEA for use as treatment depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for 7-keto-DHEA. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

FDA Logo

Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Colker CM, Torina GC, Swain MA, Kalman DS. Double-Blind Study Evaluating the Effects of Exercise Plus 3-Acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone on Body Composition and the Endocrine System in Overweight Adults. Abstract presented at 2nd ASEP Annual Meeting, October 14-16, 1999, and published in Journal of Exercise Physiology online, Volume 2 Number 4 October 1999.

Davidson M, Marwah A, Sawchuk RJ, et al. Safety and pharmacokinetic study with escalating doses of 3-acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone in healthy male volunteers. Clin Invest Med 2000;23:300-10.. View abstract.

Davidson MH, Weeks C, Lardy H, et al. Clinical Safety and Endocrine Effects of 7-KETO-DHEA. Abstract presented at: Experimental Biology 98, April 19-22, 1998, San Francisco, CA. Abstract obtained from Humanetics Corporation website.

Lardy H, Partridge B, Kneer N, Wei Y. Ergosteroids: induction of thermogenic enzymes in liver of rats treated with steroids derived from dehydroepiandrosterone. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 1995;92:6617-9. View abstract.

Nelson R, Herron M, Weeks C, Lardy H. Dehydroepiandrosterone and 7-KETO-DHEA augment Interleukin 2 (IL2) Production by Human Lymphocytes In Vitro. Abstract presented at: The 5th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections, February 1-5, 1998, Chicago, IL. Abstract obtained from Humanetics Corporation.

Shi J, Schulze S, Lardy HA. The effect of 7-oxo-DHEA acetate on memory in young and old C57BL/6 mice. Steroids 2000;65:124-9. View abstract.

Sulcova J, Hill M, Masek Z, et al. Effects of transdermal application of 7-oxo-DHEA on the levels of steroid hormones, gonadotropins and lipids in healthy men. Physiol Res 2001;50:9-18.. View abstract.