DHEA is converted by the body to a testosterone precursor.  Most of the
studies on DHEA have been conducted on men (see articles from E.
Barrett-Connor, MD, PhD from UCSD).  It is not known whether the effects
are similar on women, but we do know that women taking more than 75-100
mg/d do exhibit testosterone-like symptoms such as facial hair, deepening
of the voice, etc.  Barret-Connor cautions that DHEA may increase the risk
of prostate and breast cancer because of the sterol-structure.  Some of the
research on DHEA suggests that it is ultimately broken down throughout the
day to form melatonin.  I know of several nursing mothers who ingest 25-100
mg of DHEA per day without apparent, short-term effects on their babies.
Still, this does not say anything about long-term effects.  Another caveat,
none of these women started taking DHEA until their babies were 6 months
old.  I am currently conducting data on this if anyone is interested in
volunteering their own experience.

Another possibility for this woman might be glucosamine sulfate, which has
shown great promise in treating arthritis (see this week's Newsweek for a
brief recap).  Last, the herb Morinda citrofolia has been successfully
(anecdotal reports) used for centuries inn other countries for nerve and
structural bone disorders causing great pain.  However, I'm not sure anyone
knows any more about these either.  If anyone wants more info on these,
please email me.
Chris

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