DHEA for Low Bone Density
Effects of DHEA and Exercise on Bone Marrow Fat in Postmenopausal Women
See full descriptionAbout the trial for Low Bone Density
Treatment Groups
This trial involves 4 different treatments. DHEA is the primary treatment being studied. Participants will be divided into 4 treatment groups. There is no placebo group. The treatments being tested are not being studied for commercial purposes.
About The Treatment
Eligibility
This trial is for female patients aged 18 and older. There are 10 eligibility criteria to participate in this trial as listed below.
Approximate Timelines
Measurement Requirements
This trial is evaluating whether DHEA will improve 6 primary outcomes and 2 other outcomes in patients with Low Bone Density. Measurement will happen over the course of baseline - 0 weeks of intervention.
Patient Q & A Section
Can osteopenia be cured?
Even though osteopenia is a very low-risk condition, in the absence of significant symptoms and signs, one can be reassured and consider avoiding medications, especially biostimulants that may accelerate bone loss, and exercising regularly.
How many people get osteopenia a year in the United States?
About 18.7% of the US population is osteopenic (with osteoporosis at some point in their life). About 17.4% of men in the US are osteopenic. Younger people tend to be less likely to be osteopenic or have a lower prevalence of osteopenia. The absolute number of new cases of osteopenia (including new cases of osteoporosis) could be substantial.
What are the signs of osteopenia?
Signs of osteopenia include the following: bone pain, unexplained loss of height or weight, lower than expected BMD on imaging, osteoporosis, and abnormal fracture healing.
What causes osteopenia?
In this population, the most common precipitating factor involved in the development of osteopenia was recent chemotherapy. Osteopenia developed quickly, was responsive to increased calcium intake, and the response appeared to be maintained 3 years after therapy had been discontinued.
What is osteopenia?
Osteopenia is defined as an absolute or relative bone mineral density of 20 or less than the upper limit of the age and gender matched reference values without the use of dual x-ray absorptiometry. A population-based osteopenia screening should be offered to adults who had no baseline risk factors for osteopenia because of the high incidence of unrecognized osteopenia and low fracture rate when the test is positive.
What are common treatments for osteopenia?
The most common treatment for osteopenia is multivitamin therapy. Regular physical therapy is useful and can be combined with aerobic exercise to improve bone turnover. Exercise is a safe alternative therapy and is recommended, for example, in patients with knee pain and knee osteoarthritis. For osteoporosis prevention, osteocalcin can be used.
How serious can osteopenia be?
Patients with osteopenia on the whole are unlikely to have fracture. A more careful definition of osteopenia which identifies the frail elderly may identify patients who would benefit from prevention and intervention programs.
Is dhea safe for people?
Despite the risks it presents, DHEA was a safe and effective treatment in this population. The side effects were well tolerated, and the potential for a risk of osteopenia or osteoporosis in menorrhagia is an interesting observation, and could be a significant clinical issue.
Does dhea improve quality of life for those with osteopenia?
A nutritional intervention delivered through nutritional supplements containing DHEA improved BMD but did not improve quality of life in women with low levels of BMD.
Is dhea typically used in combination with any other treatments?
In patients with advanced stages of GCXD deficiency that resulted in delayed tooth eruption, an individual treatment of dental extractions in combination with a treatment of DHEA may be beneficial. However, further well-designed clinical studies are needed.
Has dhea proven to be more effective than a placebo?
Dhea can be safely and effectively prescribed to patients with osteoporosis who are at high risk for developing osteoporotic fractures and are currently on stable or intermittent exogenous estrogen therapy. Dhea should be part of a comprehensive treatment protocol for osteoporosis including calcium, bisphosphonates, and adequate hormone therapy.
What are the latest developments in dhea for therapeutic use?
Dhea and its derivatives have shown significant effects in clinical trials. Dhea and its derivatives have been shown to be well tolerated and safe for use in clinical studies.