DHEA

[Scrapper]

@PhDre: Well, if you were this deficient, then I can see how the supplementation would benefit you. Even though DHEA levels naturally drop with age, outright deficiencies still aren't the norm. I don't believe that improving the levels inside the healthy range has much of an effect (say from low-normal to mid-normal for example). But rectifying deficiencies can of course improve things notably.

So OP, if you suspect you might be deficient, just have it tested and then decide. If it's, as you put it, just for "testosterone and overall well-being", it doesn't sound like you suffer any symptoms, so in your case it's probably not worth the money and the potential side-effects.

Thanks to everyone who has posted. I`m going to get blood tested tomorrow, so i`ll post the results when they come through.
I`m heading towards 48yo, have noticed a bit of gyno starting to occur, so i just want to know if it is testosterone issue.

Smart move taking charge of your health and masculinity.
You may want to research a bit about SERMS (Clomid & Nolvadex) and Aromatase Inhibitors (Arimidex, Letrozole) and Suicide Inhibitors (Exemestane) and HCG (stimulates your leydig cells/testicles to produce testosterone)

DHEA probably won't be enough to swing your endocrine system to a more Androgenic landscape than an Estrogenic one.

Things like Andractim Gel (DHT) and possibly even Testosterone injections (if you are very low) should help a lot.

If your Total Testosterone is high and your free Testosterone is low, & your E2 levels are high, you'll probably just need a daily SERM or AI.

Please report back with results, your Doc/Endo can either be a Genius or a total Ditz.
It's a crap shoot out there.

 

[PhDre]

^In Downunder's case, I would absolutely stay away from DHEA or testosterone until his gyno is solved.

Downunder, you have gyno because your estradiol is too high. DHEA and testosterone will drive this up even more.
You first need to get aromatase under control.

What's your body fat? If you are fat (above 15% or so), the first step is to lower your body fat.
Cut back on alcohol, soy, sugar, processed food as well, these foods are estrogenic.
Eat more cruciferous vegetables, garlic, onions and saturated fat to lower aromatase.
Check your sleep (amount and quality).

Once you've made these lifestyle changes, you can try natural aromatase inhibitors/estrogen blockers/liver support herbs.

Only when this approach fails would I consider a real AI.