My good friend Ken, who just turned 57, had been complaining about feeling exhausted all the time. “I get eight hours of sleep every night, but just don’t have the energy I used to,” he told me.

Ken’s doctor suggested a blood test to see what might be going on. The test revealed Ken had a very low level of testosterone in his blood—not uncommon for a man his age. Men often experience declining testosterone levels in midlife, along with a decline in a hormone called DHEA. The lower levels of both hormones are thought to be associated with loss of energy and concentration, depression, and/or mood swings, a condition known as male menopause, or andropause.

Testosterone or DHEA Supplements?

On the recommendation of his doctor, Ken began getting regular injections of testosterone. Within about 6 months his testosterone level had climbed to the top of the normal range. Ken was feeling more energetic and youthful, with a stronger libido. But as his testosterone levels rose, so did his PSA level, which can be a warning sign of prostate cancer.

Ken was sent for a prostate biopsy. Fortunately, it came back negative, but his doctor decided to discontinue the testosterone shots and address Ken’s andropause with DHEA supplements instead.

What is DHEA, Anyway?  

DHEA (short for dehydroepiandrosterone) is sometimes called the “anti-aging hormone.” It is produced in the adrenal glands and converted into the major sex hormones estrogen and testosterone. Production of DHEA declines gradually in both men and women as they age. Many health authorities believe that by replacing some of the lost DHEA in the body, men in particular can re-capture their youth and counteract andropause symptoms.

Ken’s testosterone level decreased a bit when he discontinued the injections, but his daily dose of DHEA now seems to be holding it steady. He says he feels more vigorous and less depressed. It’s important to note that no studies have been conducted on the long-term effects of DHEA, so you should only use the supplement under a doctor’s supervision.

Paula Detwiller, All Vitamins Plus contributor