Sometimes called the “youth” hormone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal glands. It is also manufactured in the brain. Leading to the production of androgens and estrogens, and also regulating fat and mineral metabolism, levels begin to decline after age 30, with women experiencing more of a decrease. Lifestyle, diet and stress levels reportedly also affect the amount of DHEA the body produces over time.
Some research posits that diminishing DHEA is part of the natural life cycle—or what “nature intended,” as it is linked to the major sex hormones—so augmenting the waning hormone with DHEA supplements is unwarranted.
Substantial DHEA levels are required by the body to produce the hormones it needs. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.*
DHEA supplements, made from wild yams or soy, are often used to fight the effects of aging, build muscle, and improve memory (even the effects of Alzheimer’s). They are also taken to improve libido and some health conditions including depression, obesity and osteoporosis, lupus, as well as to increase energy, but research is still inconclusive about DHEA’s impact on these.
From the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database:
Some sources note DHEA supplements can influence aging skin by increasing epidermal thickness, as skin thins substantially and is prone to bruising and tearing as we age. It is also said to improve sebum production, skin hydration and lessen skin pigmentation issues on the face in the elderly.
DHEA supplements have been used in studies for erectile dysfunction resulting from hypertension, improving orgasmic response and satisfaction.
When women with osteoporosis or osteopenia were given 50-100 mg. per day of DHEA supplements, improved bone mineral density was noted.
Given to patients with schizophrenia, DHEA was shown to improve symptoms with women experiencing greater results than men.
Regarding Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, taking DHEA orally in conjunction with conventional treatment may help reduce SLE disease activity, frequency of flare-ups and corticosteroid doses needed.
Possible DHEA supplement side effects vary and may include acne, sleep problems, headache, nausea, itching, mood swings and aggression. In women, irritability, increased levels of estrogen, hair loss, oily skin and deepening of the voice may occur, along with irregular periods, smaller breast size and increased genital size. Men’s side effects include aggression, breast tenderness, urinary urgency, or reduced testes size. DHEA reportedly may impact insulin, cholesterol and other hormone levels.
Symptoms of low DHEA levels may include depression, extreme fatigue, decreased muscle mass or bone density, aching joints, loss of libido and lowered immunity. While these symptoms may also apply to other medical conditions, consulting with a doctor is recommended prior to self-prescribing DHEA supplements. In fact some research shows that DHEA levels can be improved by maintaining a body mass index (BMI) of 19-25, getting adequate sleep, exposure to sunlight and consistent exercise.
Sources:
*http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dhea/background/hrb-20059173
https://www.womentowomen.com/adrenal-health-2/dhea-and-adrenal-imbalance/
http://www.webmd.com/diet/dhea-supplements
http://naturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/home.aspx?cs=&s=ND
