Quick Summary
- 7-Keto is commonly used for weight loss
- 7-Keto is only available in Australia with a prescription
- It boosts metabolism without affecting the nervous or cardiovascular systems
- 7-Keto DHEA is a byproduct of the hormone DHEA
- Unlike DHEA, 7-Keto doesn't have androgenic effects but retains metabolic benefits
- The supplement is known for its minimal stimulatory and hormonal side effects
- 7-Keto can increase thyroid hormone levels, influencing metabolism
- Rare side effects include sweating, insomnia, and mood changes
- People with thyroid diseases should consult a doctor before using 7-Keto
- Long-term 7-Keto use's effect on bone health due to thyroid hormone levels remains unclear
- 7-Keto might interact with the metabolism of other steroids
- High levels of 7-Keto can influence the conversion of cortisone to cortisol
- There's frequent confusion between the effects of 7-Keto DHEA and DHEA
- 7-Keto doesn't affect male or female hormone-driven characteristics
- WADA has banned 7-Keto in sports due to its steroid structure
- Individual responses vary; it's recommended to consult a doctor before using 7-Keto
7-Keto is widely used as a weight loss supplement around the world. This thermogenic compound is included in a number of fat-loss formulations and is also sold as a stand-alone product in many countries. It has attracted a lot of interest due to its ability to speed up the metabolism without the effects on the nervous and cardiovascular systems that many stimulant-based metabolic enhancers exert.
7-Keto DHEA vs DHEA
7-Keto is short for 7-keto DHEA. DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone is an androgenic hormone produced in the human body which is a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen. 7-Keto is a breakdown product of DHEA, and it is produced by the body naturally through enzymatic conversion, in very small amounts, declining with age. In spite of the relationship 7-keto has with androgen precursor DHEA, it is incapable of converting into this steroid molecule and does not possess any overt androgenic effects, yet it retains the positive metabolic effects of parent molecule DHEA.
A large part of the popularity and utility of 7-keto is its lack of stimulatory and hormonal side effects. While 7-keto is generally regarded as safe and side effects are rarely reported, some people do experience changes while using this supplement.
7-Keto Side Effects - Thyroid
Research has shown that 7-keto increases the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone, which in turn increases thyroid hormone levels (1). It is believed that part of the metabolic effect of 7-keto can be attributed to this increase, as the thyroid exerts a massive influence on the body's overall metabolic rate. While regulation of thyroid hormone within the body is a very complex process, some people may experience amplified effects stemming from an increase in thyroid hormone. These may include sweating, insomnia, increased blood pressure and heart rate, or mood changes, like an increase in anxiety or irritability. It is important to note that these side effects are very rarely seen.
People with pre-existing thyroid disease are strongly advised to seek medical advice before supplementing their diet with 7-keto.
7-Keto Side Effects – Bones
There is a lack of research into the long-term effects of 7-keto supplementation. Some concern has been raised about the long-term effects of 7-keto use and increased thyroid hormone levels on the health of the bones, as high levels of thyroid hormone can alter the metabolism of calcium. There is no evidence that 7-keto supplementation causes bone changes, but anyone with concerns should consult a doctor before using this supplement.
7-Keto Side Effects - Hormones
Due to the similarity in structure, it is thought that 7-keto may interfere with the metabolism of other steroids. There has been research showing that high levels of 7-keto can inhibit the reaction that converts cortisone into the hormone cortisol. This has been shown to go both ways, and cortisol can also interfere with the reaction that converts DHEA produced within the body into 7-keto DHEA (2). It is uncertain what the effect of this is, but people who use cortisone-based medication should seek medical advice before using 7-keto.
7-Keto Side Effects - Men
Confusion between 7-keto DHEA, which is non-hormonal, and DHEA, which is the hormonal precursor of androgen hormones like testosterone and oestrogen is extremely common. It is not unusual to see the hormonal side effects of DHEA supplementation misattributed to 7-Keto. 7-Keto is not effective as a testosterone booster or male enhancer, nor will it cause feminisation, gyno, or hair loss. By the same token, 7-keto will not cause body hair, deepened voice, or male characteristics in women.
That said, 7-Keto is a steroid molecule, and as such, WADA has declared it a prohibited anabolic substance for the purpose of sporting competition (3).
It is important to remember that supplements can affect different people in unique ways, and even a product like 7-keto that has forged a reputation for its safety may have unexpected side effects. People with any underlying illness or concerns are urged to consult their doctor before commencing use of 7-keto.
(1) Hampl R, Sulcová J, Bílek R, Hill M. How short-term transdermal treatment of men with 7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone influence thyroid function. Physiol Res. 2006;55(1):49-54. Epub 2005 Apr 26.
(2) Muller C, et al. Inter-conversion of 7alpha- and 7beta-hydroxy-dehydroepiandrosterone by the human 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. (2006)
(3) 2014 List of prohibited substances and methods. S1 Anabolic Substances. World Anti Doping Agency. http://list.wada-ama.org/list/s1-anabolic-agents/ Accessed 7th May 2014.