DHEA Supplements
What is DHEA?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands
from cholesterol. A hormone is a chemical produced in one part of the
body that is carried to another part of the body where it has a specific
effect. DHEA is the most common steroid in humans. DHEA is easily converted
into other hormones: testosterone (the primary male sex hormone), estrogen
(an important female sex hormone), or other steroids.
As we age, the levels of certain hormones decline, especially DHEA.
It begins to decline after the age of 30 with about a 50% decline by the
age of 40 and about 85% decline by the age of 70.
Are DHEA Supplements the Fountain of Youth?
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic examined the effect of DHEA supplementation on markers of aging such as muscle strength and physical performance. Men and women age 60 and up who took the hormone for two years showed no measurable improvements in the signs of aging, including body fat, physical performance, insulin sensitivity, and quality of life - despite the fact that their body content of DHEA increased to levels they likely hadn't seen since their 20s.
DHEA health benefits
There is a good scientific evidence for DHEA effectiveness for:
- Adrenal insufficiency: several studies suggest that DHEA may improve well-being, quality of life, and hormone levels in people with insufficient adrenal function (Addison's disease). Adrenal insufficiency is a serious condition and should be treated under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
- Depression: DHEA is effective for midlife-onset depression. Because elevated cortisol levels are seen in depression and DHEA has antigluco-corticoid properties, so it can protect against potential harm from such elevations.
- Sexual dysfunction: improves ability to achieve an erection in men with sexual dysfunction. But DHEA seems to be ineffective if erectile dysfunction is caused by diabetes or nerve disorders.
- Osteoporosis (weak bones): boost bone strength and ward off osteoarthritis. DHEA increases bone mineral density (BMD) in older women and men with osteoporosis or osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis).
- Aging skin: DHEA has an anti-aging effect on the skin from stimulation of collagen production and improved structural organization of skin cells.
- Weight loss: DHEA seems to help overweight people to lose weight. Its weight-loss properties are thought to result from inhibition of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, an enzyme responsible for fat accumulation.
There is insufficient evidence to rate DHEA effectiveness for:
- Alzheimer's disease, dementia: initial research reports that DHEA does not significantly improve cognitive performance or behavior in Alzheimer's disease, but some experts disagree.
- Immune system stimulant: DHEA may to improve the functioning of the immune system by elevating the number of natural killer cells (T cells and B cells). Animal studies have shown DHEA to preserve immune competence and prevent immune suppression caused by viral infections.
- Diabetes: supplementation with DHEA improves insulin sensitivity in women with adrenal insufficiency. DHEA has also been shown to increase insulin sensitivity among obese people.
Safety concerns
Do not use DHEA in doses higher than 50-100 mg a day or for a long period of time.
DHEA can cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body. DHEA supplements should be avoided in people at risk for developing hormone-dependent diseases.
In women, DHEA has been shown to produce acne, increase facial hair, and cause breast tenderness.
High doses may cause: liver damage, heart palpitations or rhythm disturbances.
DHEA Supplements
In 1994, DHEA was classified as a dietary supplement, allowing sales over
the counter.
Studies have shown that supplementing 50-100mg of DHEA per day helped
increase muscle mass and improve overall health condition. DHEA supplements
help those who have adrenal deficiency and low levels of DHEA. The benefits
from DHEA supplements (in those who are deficient) include improved sense
of wellbeing, more alertness and stamina, and enhanced sexual interest
and libido. DHEA is helpful in older men and women with osteoporosis.
DHEA Reviews
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