Elevated serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels in practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) and TM-Sidhi programs

Abstract

Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels were measured in 270 men and 153 women who were experienced practitioners of the Transcendental Meditation (TM) and TM-Sidhi programs, mental techniques practiced twice daily, sitting quietly with the eyes closed. These were compared according to sex and 5-year age grouping to 799 male and 453 female nonmeditators. The mean DHEA-S levels in the TM group were higher in all 11 of the age groups measured in women and in 6 of 7 5-year age groups over 40 in men. There were no systematic differences in younger men. Simple regression using TM-group data revealed that this effect was independent of diet, body mass index, and exercise. The mean TM-group levels measured in all women and in the older men were generally comparable to those of nonmeditator groups 5 to 10 years younger. These findings suggest that some characteristics of TM practitioners are modifying the age-related deterioration in DHEA-S secretion by the adrenal cortex.

Stress reducing regulative effects of integrated mental training with self‐hypnosis on the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‐S) and cortisol in plasma: a pilot study

“…Increased concentration of DHEA-S in subjects older than 80 was reported to be higher than in those up to 20 years younger, suggesting the hypothesis that people with higher DHEA-S have a longer lifespan (Baulieu, 1996). The increase in plasma DHEA-S observed in our study, corresponds to a concentration range observed subjects 5-10 years younger (�laser et al, 1992;Baulieu, 1996).…”

“…Low concentrations in blood have been correlated with many age-related diseases, an important issue which has been reviewed recently (Luppa, Munker, Nagel, Weber and Engelhardt, 1991;Kroboth et al, 1999;Salek, Bigos and Kroboth, 2002). Increased plasma DHEA-S has been connected with a reduction in age-related diseases and alleviated chronic stress-load (�laser, Brind, �ogelman, Eisner, Dillbeck, Walace, Chopra and Orentreich, 1992;Arlt, Callies, van �lijmen, Koehler, �einecke, Bidlingmaier, Huebler, Oettel, Ernst, Schulte and Allolio, 1999). In women, elevated concentrations of the active hormone DHEA, but not DHEA-S, have been significantly correlated with positive measures of well-being and sensation seeking behaviour (Cawood and Bancroft, 1996).…”

“…In women, elevated concentrations of the active hormone DHEA, but not DHEA-S, have been significantly correlated with positive measures of well-being and sensation seeking behaviour (Cawood and Bancroft, 1996). Continous physical activity and training or systematic application of stress-reducing and relaxation activities also result in increased DHEA-S levels (Keiser, Kuipers, De Haan, Becers, Habets, 1987;Caciarri, Mazzanti, Tassinari, Bergamaschi, Magnani, Zapulla, Nanni, Copianchi, �hini, Pini and Tani, 1990;�laser et al, 1992). In institutional elderly people, social activities experienced as stimulating and motivational contribute to an increase in the production of DHEA (Arnetz, 1983).…”

Natural Law and the Bhagavad‐Gita: The Vedic Concept of Natural Law

“…In this context purification means the dissolving of stress from the nervous system as a result of the deep rest gained during the practice. As to health, research findings include the alleviation of a wide range of stress-related disorders, such as high blood pressure Schneider et al 1995) anxiety (Eppley, Abrams, and Shear 1989) and substance abuse (Alexander, Robinson, and Rainforth 1994); a decreased incidence of disease, including heart disease and cancer , and a reversal of the aging process (Glaser et al 1992;Wallace et al 1982a). As to psychology, research has measured improvements in selfactualisation ), Loevinger's Self Development Scale (Alexander 1982), self-concept (Turnbull and Norris 1982), and moral development (Nidich et al 1983).…”

Studies of Advanced Stages of Meditation in the Tibetan Buddhist and Vedic Traditions. I: A Comparison of General Changes

“…With regard to aging, older individuals practicing TM also showed higher levels of a key marker of aging, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), than age-matched controls (36). DHEA is a precursor of the hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone, and is necessary to moderate the balance of hormones in the body.…”