title: 7-Keto-DHEA
text: # 7-Keto-DHEA
  
  7-Ketodehydroepiandrosterone (7-keto-DHEA,7-oxo-DHEA), also known as 7-oxoprasterone, is a prohormone produced by metabolism of the prohormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).
  
  7-oxo-DHEA is even more effective than DHEA for inducing heat production (thermogenesis). Because dieting is usually accompanied by reduced resting metabolic rate, obese persons may benefit from using 7-oxo-DHEA when dieting due to increased metabolic rate.
  
  7-Keto-DHEA is not directly converted to testosterone or estrogen, and has thus been investigated as a potentially more useful relative of DHEA. Researchers have raised concern that supplements may trigger positive tests for performance-enhancing drugs.
  
  The World Anti-Doping Agency lists 7-keto-DHEA as a prohibited anabolic agent. The FDA has proposed that it be banned from use in compounded drugs.
  
  ## Chemistry
  
  7-Keto-DHEA has a number of chemical names, including:
  
  * 7-Ketodehydroepiandrosterone (7-keto-DHEA)
  * 7-Oxodehydroepiandrosterone (7-oxo-DHEA)
  * 7-Ketoprasterone
  * 7-Oxoprasterone
  * 3β-Hydroxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione
  * Androst-5-en-3β-ol-7,17-dione
  
  For the acetate ester:
  
  * 3β-Acetoxyandrost-5-ene-7,17-dione
  * 7-Oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (7-oxo-DHEA acetate)
  * 3-Acetyl-7-oxo-dehydroepiandrosterone (3-acetyl-7-oxo-DHEA)
  * DHEA acetate-7-one
  * $Δ_5-Androstene-3β-acetoxy-7,17-dione$
  
  Note: "Keto" can be substituted for "oxo" in the above names.
  
  ## History
  
  7-Keto-DHEA has been marketed by alternative medicine providers as a treatment of Adrenal fatigue, a pseudo-scientific term with no scientific basis.
  
  ## Regulation
  
  The FDA has proposed that 7-Keto-DHEA be included among substances banned from use in compounded drugs.
  
  