7-Keto DHEA and Thermogenesis: RCT
Current Therapeutic Research (2007)
100mg twice daily produced significantly greater weight loss (2.88kg vs 0.97kg) vs placebo over 8 weeks.
How it works
Marek's Guided Optimization® Program combines advanced lab testing, a dedicated health coach and medical provider, and a personalized treatment plan, all built around your data.
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The process
1
Start your assessment
Complete your 45-min intake assessment
2
Get your labs drawn
4,000 partnered lab locations nationwide
3
Review with your coach
Screen-by-screen lab review
4
Receive your protocol
Treatment delivered to your door
Why Marek
The only program pairing you with a dedicated health coach and medical provider, built on precision diagnostics, with no subscription required.
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Meet our co-founder
Derek
Co-Founder · MPMD Podcast
"Over time, I found it incredibly difficult to get medical oversight for myself and my family that reflected the latest research, and that was preventative. That's why I started Marek Health."
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What we test
Every client's lab panel is hand-selected from 1,000+ available biomarkers, built around their specific goals.
Panel categories
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Treatments
700+ medical provider-prescribed therapies built from your labs. Browse by category or explore the full formulary.
7-Keto DHEA
Oral capsule (50mg 7-Keto DHEA + 100mg Pregnenolone)Available in all 50 statesMarketing purposes only. Actual medications, if prescribed, are dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
hormones
7-Keto DHEA7-Keto DHEA
Non-reversible metabolite of DHEA that does NOT convert to sex hormones, making it unique for immune modulation and metabolic enhancement without androgenic or estrogenic effects.
Does NOT convert to sex hormones
Thermogenic effects support metabolic rate
Immune-enhancing effects
Safe alternative for hormone-sensitive patients
No commitment · HSA/FSA eligibleNo commitment · HSA/FSA eligible
How it works
Mechanism of action
Cannot be converted back to DHEA or downstream to androgens/estrogens due to irreversible C-7 ketone. Activates hepatic lipid-metabolizing enzymes, enhances thermogenesis, modulates cortisol production, and supports immune function via IL-2 and NK cell enhancement.
The baseline panel.
Every Marek client receives this baseline panel before a provider review. Your provider may add additional biomarkers based on your health history, symptoms, and goals, pulling from 1,000+ available markers. See more biomarkers →
Hormone Profile
12 markers
Sex hormones
- Total TestosteroneLC/MS
- Free TestosteroneEquilibrium Dialysis
- Estradiol, Sensitive / UltrasensitiveLC/MS
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- ProgesteroneLC/MSFemale panel
- Prolactin
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- hCG, Total, QuantitativeFemale panel, pre-menopause
Adrenals & neurosteroids
- Cortisol
- DHEA-S
Growth hormone / IGF-1
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1)
Thyroid Status
3 markers
Thyroid hormones
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Free T4
- Free T3
Heart Health
9 markers
Cardiovascular health
- Total Cholesterol
- HDL Cholesterol
- LDL Cholesterol
- LDL:HDL Ratio
- VLDL Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- Apolipoprotein-B (ApoB)
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hsCRP)
- Lipoprotein(a) (Lp(a))
Metabolism
3 markers
Insulin sensitivity
- Blood Glucose
- Fasting Insulin
- HbA1c
Organ Function
26 markers
Liver & pancreas
- AST
- ALT
- Bilirubin, Total
- γ-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT)
Kidney function
- BUN
- Creatinine w/ eGFR
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
- Glucose
- Blood Urea Nitrogen (BUN)
- Creatinine
- eGFR
- BUN/Creatinine Ratio
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Carbon Dioxide, Total
- Calcium
- Protein, Total
- Albumin
- Globulin, Total
- Albumin/Globulin (A/G) Ratio
- Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP)
- AST
- ALT
Prostate health
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)Male panel
- Free PSAMale panel
- % Free PSAMale panel
Nutrient Status
31 markers
Vitamins & minerals
- Vitamin D, 25-OHD (25-Hydroxy)
- Magnesium, RBC
Iron status
- Iron
- Iron Saturation
- TIBC
- UIBC
- Ferritin
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- White Blood Count (WBC)
- Red Blood Count (RBC)
- Hemoglobin (Hgb)
- Hematocrit (HCT)
- MCV
- MCH
- MCHC
- Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)
- Platelets
- Neutrophils
- Neutrophils (Absolute)
- Lymphocytes
- Lymphocytes (Absolute)
- Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio
- Monocytes
- Monocytes (Absolute)
- Eosinophils
- Eosinophils (Absolute)
- Basophils
- Basophils (Absolute)
- Immature Cells
- Immature Granulocytes
- Immature Granulocytes (Absolute)
- NRBC, w/ Reflex for Immature Cells
Clinical evidence
The research behind 7-Keto DHEA.
Safety profile
Monitoring & safety information.
Commonly reported side effects
- Generally well tolerated
- Mild acne
- Headache
Less common but serious risks
- Limited long-term safety data
Generally not appropriate for
- Thyroid disorders (may stimulate T3)
- Pregnancy
Typical monitoring
- 7-Keto DHEA levels
- DHEA-S
- Thyroid function
- Lipid panel
- Weight/body composition
FAQ
Quick answers.
Non-reversible metabolite of DHEA that does NOT convert to sex hormones, making it unique for immune modulation and metabolic enhancement without androgenic or estrogenic effects.
Does NOT convert to sex hormones. Thermogenic effects support metabolic rate. Immune-enhancing effects. Safe alternative for hormone-sensitive patients.
Common side effects include: generally well tolerated, mild acne, headache. Most side effects are dose-dependent and may resolve with continued use or dose adjustment.
Non-reversible metabolite of DHEA that does NOT convert to sex hormones, making it unique for immune modulation and metabolic enhancement without androgenic or estrogenic effects.
Treatments are dependent on licensed clinical prescription. Client costs vary based on individual labs and panel in treatments and services.