After reviewing the literature, one can't help but be excited about the potential therapeutic uses for this hormone. The broad spectrum of desirable effects and the lack of serious side effects thus far are very encouraging. Unfortunately, since natural substances are not patentable, drug companies have been unwilling to invest in the long-term research required to learn more about this promising new therapeutic agent. This is one more example in health care, where educated consumers can make a difference in bringing new therapies into mainstream medicine.

RESOURCES

Women's International Pharmacy
5708 Monona Drive
Madison, WI
608-221-7800
800-279-5708

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Schwartz, A.G. (1979). Inhibition of spontaneous breast cancer formation in female C3H(Avy/a) mice by long-term treatment with dehydropiandrosterone. Cancer Research 39:1129:1132.

Von Vollenhoven, R.F., Engleman, E.G., McGuire, J.L. (1994). An open study of dehydroepiandrosterone in systemic lupus erylhernatosis. Arthritisand Rheumatism. Vol. 37, no. 9, pp. 1305-1310.

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