DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. It is a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, and it plays a role in the production of these hormones. DHEA levels decrease as people age, and some people take DHEA supplements to try to counteract this decline.
Benefits of DHEA
- Reducing abdominal fat and improving insulin resistance
- Reducing inflammation in the arteries and reducing arterial stiffness
- Improving total body fat and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
- Boosting the immune system and blocking disease reactivity
- Helping with sexual dysfunction and improving well-being and sexuality in men and women
Case Studies Regarding the Benefits of DHEA
There are conflicting results from studies on the benefits of DHEA. Some studies suggest that higher levels of DHEA may lower rates of major depression and improve overall emotional stability. Other studies have found that taking DHEA didn’t change total body weight, but it did improve total body fat and LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. Some people suffering from a lack of energy, sexual dysfunction, autoimmune reactions, and other problems seem to improve greatly with DHEA use, but others might experience negative side effects, interactions or simply no results at all.
DHEA supplements are available over-the-counter, but it is important to talk to a doctor before taking them. The recommended dosage is generally 50 mg daily in adults. DHEA side effects are usually mild and might include acne and upset stomach. However, using higher doses or using it long-term can increase the risk of serious side effects including cancer. Women using DHEA may experience possible adverse effects like acne, hair loss, deepening of the voice, and facial hair growth.
Sources:
- https://www.rxlist.com/dhea/supplements.htm
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/dhea-what-should-you-know-about-it-89136
- https://www.mountsinai.org/health-library/supplement/dehydroepiandrosterone
- https://draxe.com/nutrition/dhea/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4534532/
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-331/dhea
