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DHEA
  DHEA
 Recommended for…
 Conditions prevented by it
 


Alternative Names: Dehydroepiandosterone.

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It peaks at approximately age 25 and then declines. In the prime of life (age 20 to 25), men produce about 31mg of DHEA (Dihydroendoendosterone) daily and women about 19mg daily. DHEA production slowly declines over the years and by the age of 75, DHEA production can decrease by 80-90%.
DHEA and its activated sulfated form DHEA-S, have become popular supplement ingredients in the past several years. Proponents of DHEA use often argue that since DHEA levels decrease with age, supplementing DHEA will reduce many age-related disorders. In essence, they argue:

"The day DHEA begins to decline is the day that an individual "starts dying". Studies have shown that when it falls to very low levels, the end is close for most individuals. The lower one's DHEA, the less one's expected longevity. The more above 150 that levels are, the longer a person is expected to live. It should improve not only the quantity of one's life, but the quality as well."

Source


DHEA comes form natural sources such as the Mexican yam (Dioscorea). Pharmaceutical grade products are readily available in pharmacies and health food stores without prescription, supplied in 5, 25, 50, and 75mg sizes.

Function; Reasons For Use
The body converts DHEA into testosterone or estrogen.

There have been many studies done and some of the research shows that this DHEA may be an anti-aging product, and if used in physiologic doses, can retard this natural process of aging. In over 2,500 medical references regarding this substance, there are some excellent articles in the prevention of cancer, arteriosclerosis, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, hypercholesterolemia, depression and osteoporosis. It also helps sexual function and causes weight loss in the overweight patient and has been touted to reduce the sugar lowering mediations in diabetes. Under extreme stress, one needs more DHEA.

It is claimed that maintaining correct DHEA levels can produce:
  • Energy
  • Youthfulness
  • Increased metabolism to burn fat
  • Increased sex drive
  • Improved memory
  • Reduced tendency to depression
However, evidence does exist to the contrary. Several studies like the following have not shown an obvious benefit. Four months of supplementation with DHEA (50mg per day) had no effect on serum lipids, bone markers, body composition, exercise capacity, sexuality or mood scores in a double blind cross-over study of 22 healthy men (50-69 years old) with age-related physiological decline of DHEA production. [J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2001;86(10): pp.4686-92]

While there are some studies that have shown DHEA to have an effect on incidence of heart disease, and may help therapeutically with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus); it is not recommended as a supplement for everyone (because of its ability to raise testosterone and estrogen levels, a possible problem for those at increased risk of prostate or breast cancers).

Directions
DHEA is the hormone precursor for testosterone and estrogens. When DHEA levels are low, but the sex hormones are normal or elevated, a different form of DHEA should be used. 7-keto DHEA has DHEA activity but is reported to not increase sex hormone levels.

Caution is advised against using higher doses of DHEA (greater than 50mg) because of possible short- and long-term side-effects, including acne and increased facial hair (the primary short-term side-effects.)

Some recommend 25 to 100mg per day, taken first thing in the morning with or without food. At the time of writing, DHEA can be taken with any other drug or supplement.

DHEA should be used only under the supervision of a qualified individual who understands the complex nature of adrenal hormones and can test for DHEA, cortisol, and other relevant markers of adrenal health.

Side-Effects; Counter-Indicators and Warnings
DHEA metabolizes to testosterone and estrogen, so the side-effect is that regular DHEA could cause slight acne, facial hair and lower the voice when taken in high doses, and might increase the risk of prostate and breast cancer. Keto-DHEA may be a safer version in that it is not converted to sex hormones.

There may a possible link between elevated DHEA levels and prostate, breast and ovarian cancer risk. While younger women with breast cancer may have low levels of DHEA, postmenopausal women with breast cancer appear to have high levels of DHEA, which has researchers concerned. Until more is known, it would be prudent for people with breast or prostate cancer or a family history of these conditions to avoid supplementing with DHEA, or monitor their levels.





DHEA can help with the following:
Aging  Parkinson's Disease
 C.A. Hackethal, M.D. has reported excellent success in treating Parkinson's Disease by use of replacement therapy of DHEA. Apparently the bad side-effects of L-Dopa are avoided, and the Parkinsonian victim is restored to appropriate functioning.

Autoimmune

  Chronic Thyroiditis
 Some doctors report finding that a high percentage of patients with autoimmune disorders, such as thyroiditis, are also deficient in DHEA, and should be tested.

  Multiple Sclerosis

Circulation

  Coronary Disease / Heart Attack
 A landmark study in 1986 of 242 men aged 50-79 and based on 12 years of research stated that a small supplementation of DHEA corresponded to a 48% reduction in death from heart disease and a 36% reduction in death from any cause, other than accidents. Indirect evidence does suggest that DHEA supplements might reduce the risk of heart disease, especially in men, but this is far from proven.


Not recommended for:
  Arrhythmias/Dysrhythmias
 Ray Sahelian, MD has reported arrhythmias of different types in individuals using as little as 50mg DHEA or 25mg Pregnenolone. [TLDP Feb 1998, p.119]

Hormones

  Hypopituitarism
 Six months of treatment with DHEA (at 30mg per day if over 45 years of age and 20mg per day if under 45 years of age) induced androgen effects on skin and axillary and pubic hair in a study of 38 women with androgen deficiency due to hypopituitarism. Improved alertness, stamina and initiative was also reported. [J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2002;87(5): pp.2046-2052]

  Low DHEA Level
 The optimal dosage range for DHEA varies considerably between individuals. Men and women should consider taking a total of 15 to 75mg per day in one to three divided doses. Many human studies use a daily dose of 50mg. DHEA can be taken with or without food, though some believe that fat helps DHEA to assimilate better. DHEA can be taken in a cream form along with other hormones.

Mainly because DHEA levels naturally decrease with age, this hormone has been widely used as a kind of "fountain of youth". However, there is no real evidence that it is helpful against aging in general. Seven studies have found that DHEA supplementation does not improve mood or increase the general sense of well-being in older individuals. In addition, although some reports suggest that declining DHEA levels cause impaired mental function in the elderly, large studies have not found a connection between the two.

  Low Adrenal Function / Adrenal Insufficiency

Not recommended for:
  DHEA Elevated

Immunity

  Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome
  Immune System Imbalance (TH2 Dominance)
 DHEA increases TH1 cytokines which help balance the immune system.

Lab Values

  Low T-Helper (CD4) Cell Level
 One study has found that DHEA therapy (75mg per day) increased CD4 and CD8 cell counts in the majority of HIV patients. [Hasheev, D, et al. Intl AIDS Conference Abstract no PB0322, 1994]

Mental

  Depression
 DHEA is a plentiful adrenal steroid hormone whose quantity decreases with age and may have significant psychiatric effects. In one study, six middle-aged and elderly patients with major depression and low plasma DHEA or DHEA-S levels were openly administered DHEA (30-90mg per day for 4 weeks) in doses sufficient to achieve circulating plasma levels observed in younger healthy individuals. Depression ratings as well as aspects of memory performance significantly improved.

One treatment-resistant patient received extended treatment with DHEA for 6 months: her depression ratings improved 48-72% and her semantic memory performance improved 63%. These measures returned to baseline after treatment ended. Improvements in depression ratings and memory performance were directly related to increases in plasma levels of DHEA and DHEA-S and to increases in their ratios with plasma cortisol levels. [Biol Psychiatry, 1997 Feb; 41:3, pp.311-8]

Another study evaluated the efficacy of very high doses of DHEA (450mg) in the treatment of midlife-onset dysthymia. In 15 patients who completed the study, a robust effect of DHEA on mood was observed compared with placebos. 60% of the patients responded to DHEA at the end of the 6-week treatment period compared with 20% on placebo. A significant response was seen after 3 weeks of treatment on 90mg per day. The symptoms that improved most significantly were anhedonia (failure to experience pleasure), loss of energy, lack of motivation, emotional "numbness", sadness, inability to cope, and worry. [Biol Psychiatry 1999 Jun 15; 45(12): pp.1533-41]

In a study conducted by S. S. C. Yen and associates at the University of California, San Diego, researchers found that 50mg a day of DHEA administered for 6-months restored levels of DHEA in both men and women. This DHEA replacement was associated with an increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being for both men (67%) and women (84%).

Another study at UCSD was conducted in which researchers considered the association between levels of DHEA and depression. Nine different hormones (including DHEA) were measured in 699 older women. Out of all of these hormones, only low levels of DHEA were linked with depression.

In studies conducted at Cambridge University in England, researchers discovered that children with major depression have abnormally low levels of DHEA accompanied by abnormally high levels of cortisol.

University of California San Francisco At the University of California, San Francisco, DHEA was given to people with depression to determine its antidepressant effects. After 6 weeks, psychological tests indicated that about half the participants responded to DHEA therapy, with an overall enhancement of mood scores by over 30%.

In another study conducted by the Department of Psychiatry at UCSF, DHEA was administered to six middle-aged and elderly patients with major depression. In patients who received extended treatment with DHEA for six months, depression ratings improved 48-72%.

In a study conducted by researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health, middle-aged people with dysthymia (a chronic, low-grade depression) were given 90mg of DHEA a day for 3 weeks. This study concluded that this amount significantly alleviated the participants' depression.

DHEA is the only hormone besides cortisol and serotonin that has consistently been linked to depression. But unlike cortisol, where high levels increase depression, high levels of DHEA actually alleviate depression.

Researchers have different theories about how DHEA alleviates depression. DHEA and can cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with the brain directly. DHEA can affect serotonin, GABA receptors, and other brain factors. It might modulate the serotonin-signaling pathway. In addition, DHEA is the precursor for estrogen and testosterone, which also enhance mood.

DHEA also has antistress effects that may be part of its antidepressant action. Research shows that cortisol, the stress hormone, is elevated in cases of major depression. DHEA counteracts cortisol. Calmness is also associated with higher levels of DHEA.

  Senile Dementia
  Poor Memory
 In a study of six middle-aged and elderly patients with major depression and low plasma DHEA levels, memory performance and depression improved significantly when DHEA was supplemented sufficiently to raise their plasma DHEA to levels found in healthy younger people [Biol Psychiatry, 1997 Feb, 41:3, pp.311-8]. Other, larger studies have not supported this claim.

Metabolic

  Problems Caused By Being Overweight
 7-Keto DHEA supplements, at a dose of 200mg per day in adults 25 to 55 years of age has been shown in a double-blind trial to enhance weight loss, aid in the reduction of body fat and effect thyroid hormone levels. This two-month study also demonstrated that 7-Keto does not significantly affect blood sugar, testosterone, estradiol, liver or kidney function.

How much DHEA we maintain may be involved in determining how fat is actually stored in the body. In another study, DHEA was given to five male, normal weight subjects at a dose of 1600mg per day, divided into 4 doses. After 28 days, with diet and physical activity remaining normal, 4 of the 5 exhibited a mean body fat decrease of 31% with no overall weight change. This meant that their fat loss was balanced by a gain in muscle mass characteristic of youth. At the same time, their LDL levels fell by 7.5% to confer protection against cardiovascular disease.

7-Keto DHEA does not become converted to sex hormones as does DHEA. The choice of whether to use DHEA or 7-Keto DHEA will be influenced by your sex and adrenal hormone status. Laboratory testing is required to determine this.

Musculo-Skeletal

  Rheumatoid Arthritis
 The incidence of osteoporosis is elevated in women with rheumatoid arthritis. DHEA levels correlated significantly with, and were predictive of, bone mineral density, even after corticosteroid therapy was taken into account. Raising DHEA levels by supplementation in these women should reduce the risk of osteoporosis. [Gaby, AR. Holistic Medicine. Spring, 1993: p.22]

Dr. Hackethal has observed some rheumatoid patients taking DHEA become well even when C-reactive protein and Rh- factor are positive.

DHEA can help prevent the following:
Tumors, Malignant  Cancer, General
  Liver Cancer
  Lung Cancer
  Colon Cancer
  Basal Cell Cancer
  Squamous Cell Cancer


KEY
May do some good
Likely to help
May have adverse consequences
Avoid absolutely


GLOSSARY

Acne
A chronic skin disorder due to inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands (secretion glands in the skin).

Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.

AIDS
Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. An immune system deficiency disorder that suddenly alters the body's ability to defend itself. The AIDS virus invades the T4 helper/inducer lymphocytes and multiplies, causing a breakdown in the body's immune system, eventually leading to overwhelming infection and/or cancer, with ultimate death.

Alzheimer's Disease (Alzheimer's)
A progressive disease of the middle-aged and elderly, characterized by loss of function and death of nerve cells in several areas of the brain, leading to loss of mental functions such as memory and learning. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia.

Androgen
Any steroid hormone that increases male characteristics.

Antidepressant (Antidepressants)
Literally, substances meant to oppose depressions or sadness, and generally heterocyclic types such as Elavil, MAO inhibitors like phenelzine, or lithium carbonate. This category of substances formerly included stuff like amphetamines and other stimulants. Botanical examples include Hypericum, Peganum and Oplopanax.

Arrhythmia (Arrhythmias)
A condition caused by variation in the regular rhythm of the heartbeat. Arrhythmias may cause serious conditions such as shock and congestive heart failure, or even death.

Arteriosclerosis
A common arterial disorder. Characterized by calcified yellowish plaques, lipids, and cellular debris in the inner layers of the walls of large and medium-sized arteries.

Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.

Axillary
Pertaining to the region of the armpits.

Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.

Cardiovascular
Pertaining to the heart and blood vessels.

CD4
A symbol for glycoprotein expressed on the surface of some lymphocytes, including Helper T-cells. Human CD4 is the receptor that serves as a docking site for HIV viruses on certain lymphocyte cells. Binding of the viral glycoprotein gp120 to CD4 is the first step in viral entry, leading to the fusion of viral and cell membrane. White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.

CD8
White blood cells are composed primarily of neutrophils, monocytes and lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are either T-cells or B-cells. T-cells (CD3 cells) are divided into T-helper (CD4 cells) and T-suppressor/cytotoxic (CD8 cells) cells.

Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS, Chronic Fatigue)
A disorder of unknown cause that lasts for prolonged periods and causes extreme and debilitating exhaustion as well as a wide range of other symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle ache and joint pain, often resembling flu and other viral infections. Also known as Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome (CFIDS), Chronic Epstein-Barr Virus (CEBV), Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME), "Yuppy Flu" and other names, it is frequently misdiagnosed as hypochondria, psychosomatic illness, or depression, because routine medical tests do not detect any problems.

Corticosteroid (Corticosteroids)
Steroid hormone produced by the adrenal cortex.

Cortisol
A hormone. Its most important function is to help the body respond to stress. It also helps regulate your body's use of protein, carbohydrates and fat; it helps maintain blood pressure and cardiovascular function; it stems inflammation.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
A sensitive measure of inflammation in the body.

Cytokines (Cytokine, TH1, TH2)
Cytokines are chemical messengers that control immune responses. They are secreted by white blood cells, T cells, epithelial cells and some other body cells. There are at least 17 different kinds of interleuken and 3 classes of interferon called alpha, beta and gamma and various subsets. Interleukens and interferons are called “cytokines” and there are two general groupings, Th1 and Th2. Th1 (T-cell Helper type 1) promote cell-mediated immunity (CMI) while Th2 (T-cell Helper type 2) induce humoral immunity (antibodies).

DHEA (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant one found in humans. DHEA may be transformed into testosterone, estrogen or other steroids. It is found in the body as DHEA or in the sulfated form known as DHEA-S. One form is converted into the other as needed.

Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.

Dysthymia
A milder but chronic form of depression.

Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.

Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
An amino acid derivative that is a calming substance. Tranquilizers such as valium and Librium owe their soothing effects to the fact that they stimulate GABA receptors in the brain.

Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
A retrovirus associated with onset of advanced immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).

Hypercholesterolemia
Excess cholesterol in the blood.

Immune System (Immune Response, Immunity)
A complex that protects the body from disease organisms and other foreign bodies. The system includes the humoral immune response and the cell-mediated response. The immune system also protects the body from invasion by making local barriers and inflammation. The process may involve acquired immunity (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).

Kidneys (Kidney, Renal)
Bean-shaped organs, each about the size of a fist. They are located near the middle of the back, just below the rib cage. The kidneys are sophisticated reprocessing machines, each day handling about 50 gallons of blood to sift out about half a gallon of waste products and extra water. The waste and extra water become urine, which flows to the bladder through tubes called ureters. The actual filtering occurs in tiny units inside the kidneys called nephrons. Every kidney has about a million nephrons. In a nephron, a glomerulus -- which is a tiny blood vessel, or capillary -- intertwines with a tiny urine-collecting tube called a tubule. A complicated chemical exchange takes place, as waste materials and water leave your blood and enter your urinary system. The kidneys recycle chemicals such as sodium, phosphorus, and potassium and thus regulate their levels. Renal: Pertaining to the kidneys.

Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.

Liver (Hepatic)
The largest and one of the most complex organs of the body, the liver is responsible for much of the metabolism of fats, proteins and carbohydrates. It is the site of much of the body's detoxification. It is connected very closely with digestion and the regulation of blood sugar, among many other functions. Found behind the ribs on the right side of the abdomen, it has many important functions such as removing harmful material from the blood, making enzymes and bile that help digest food, and converting food into substances needed for life and growth. Hepatic: Pertaining to the liver.

Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)
Also known as "bad" cholesterol, LDLs are large, dense, protein-fat particles composed of a moderate proportion of protein and a high proportion of cholesterol. Higher levels of LDLs are associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease.

Metabolism (Metabolic, Metabolize, Metabolizes, Metabolizing)
The chemical processes of living cells in which energy is produced in order to replace and repair tissues and maintain a healthy body. Responsible for the production of energy, biosynthesis of important substances, and degradation of various compounds. Also defined as the sum total of changes in an organism in order to achieve a balance (homeostasis): Catabolic burns up, anabolic stores and builds up; the sum of their work is metabolism.

Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.

Mineral (Minerals)
Plays a vital role in regulating many body functions. They act as catalysts in nerve response, muscle contraction and the metabolism of nutrients in foods. They regulate electrolyte balance and hormonal production, and they strengthen skeletal structures.

Osteoporosis
A disease in which bone tissue becomes porous and brittle. The disease primarily affects postmenopausal women.

Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's)
A chronic, slowly-progressing disease of the nervous system characterized clinically by the combination of tremor, rigidity, extreme slowness of movement, and stooped posture. It is characterized pathologically by loss of dopamine in the substantia nigra.

Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.

Postmenopause (Postmenopausal)
The postmenopausal phase of a woman's life begins when 12 full months have passed since the last menstrual period and any menopausal symptoms have become milder and/or less frequent.

Precursor (Precursors)
A biochemical substance, such as an intermediate compound in a chain of enzymatic reactions, from which a more stable or definitive product is formed.

Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.

Rheumatism (Rheumatoid)
General term applied to conditions of pain, or inability to articulate, various elements of the musculoskeletal system.

Rheumatoid Arthritis
A long-term, destructive connective tissue disease that results from the body rejecting its own tissue cells (autoimmune reaction).

Serotonin
A phenolic amine neurotransmitter (C10H12N2O) that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum and gastric membranes of mammals. Considered essential for relaxation, sleep, and concentration.

Serum
The cell-free fluid of the bloodstream. It appears in a test tube after the blood clots and is often used in expressions relating to the levels of certain compounds in the blood stream.

Steroid (Steroids)
Any of a large number of hormonal substances with a similar basic chemical structure containing a 17-carbon 14-ring system and including the sterols and various hormones and glycosides.

Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.

Thyroid (Thyroid Gland)
The thyroid gland is an organ with many veins, anchored around the front of the throat near the voice box. It is essential to normal body growth in infancy and childhood. It absorbs iodine from the diet and releases thyroid hormones - iodine-containing compounds that help govern the rate of the body's metabolism (its total life processes), affecting body temperature, and regulating protein, fat and carbohydrate catabolism in all cells. They keep up growth hormone release, skeletal maturation, and heart rate, force, and output. They promote central nervous system growth, stimulate the making of many enzymes, and are necessary for muscle tone and vigor. To a high degree, metabolism is regulated by the hormone thyroxine, which can be made by the thyroid if enough organic iodine is available. An enlarged thyroid gland that is not cancer is sometimes called goitre.

Thyroiditis (Chronic Thyroiditis, Hashimoto's Thyroiditis)
Inflammation of the thyroid; there are several forms of thyroiditis, including chronic or Hashimoto's thyroiditis (also called autoimmune or chronic lymphocyctic thyroiditis), subacute thyroiditis, and painless or postpartum thyroiditis. Thyroiditis often results in hypothyroidism.




Last updated: Jun 08, 2008


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