6 DHEA Benefits Explained
- Enhanced Libido. Since DHEA turns into sex hormones, we need more DHEA to enhance and make our sex lives more healthy.
- Better Brain Function, Including Fighting Depression. Although the adrenal glands are responsible for producing most of the body’s DHEA, the brain and nervous system produce small amounts of DHEA ...
- Helps Build Muscles and Strength. ...
What are the side effects of taking DHEA?
- change in sex drive or performance
- headache
- loss of appetite
What are the pros and cons of DHEA for bodybuilding?
- Developing the adrenal gland
- Improving memory
- Strengthen the immune system
- Build up muscle and bone strength
- Influence the usual changes that come with aging However, studies have shown that supplementing DHEA does not seem to counter common aging side effects, such as reduced libido and bone ...
- Metformin
- Alcohol
- Thiazolidinediones
- Venlafaxine
- Benfluorex
How much DHEA should you take?
There is no standard dosage of DHEA. Some studies have used capsules dosed between 25 and 200 milligrams a day, or sometimes even higher, but it depends on the medical conditions being treated. Ask your doctor for advice.
Does DHEA do any good or harm?
Taking a DHEA may help increase quality of life in people with adrenal insufficiency. Research has found that DHEA positively influences mood, subjective health status, and sexual health. A 2013 review of studies found that DHEA supplementation may lead to a small but significant improvement in the body composition of older men.
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What does DHEA do for the body?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.
What are the side effects of taking DHEA?
Possible side effects of DHEA supplements can include:Oily skin and acne, as well as skin thickening.Hair loss.Stomach upset.High blood pressure.Changes in menstrual cycle.Facial hair in women.Deepening of the voice in women.Fatigue.More items...•
What are the symptoms of low DHEA?
Symptoms of low levels of DHEAS may include the following signs of an adrenal gland disorder: Unexplained weight loss. Nausea and vomiting. Dizziness....Other symptoms of low DHEAS are related to aging and may include:Decreased sex drive.Erectile dysfunction in men.Thinning of vaginal tissues in women.
How much DHEA should I take daily?
It's best to speak with a physician before beginning to take a DHEA supplement. Summary: A common daily dose is 25–50 mg. This dosage has been safely used for up to two years without severe side effects. However, you should speak with your physician prior to using this supplement.
When should I take DHEA morning or night?
Your body makes DHEA primarily in the morning, so taking DHEA in the morning will mimic this natural rhythm.
How quickly does DHEA work?
Of course, we all want a quick fix, but I coach women to give DHEA supplementation around 3 months, or three full menstrual cycles, to observe any changes. Since it takes an egg 90-120 days to fully develop, my fertility patients have seen improvements in just this short time frame.
Does DHEA grow hair?
In the hair follicle, DHEA will inhibit glucose-6-phosphate dehy- drogenase, a key enzyme of the pentose cycle that is essential for the synthesis of nucleic acids. The disruption of the growth of scalp hair may be due to this increased adrenal production as well as to the peripheral metabolism of DHEAS.
Is DHEA an anti inflammatory?
DHEA modulates cardiovascular signalling pathways and exerts an anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant and anti-remodelling effect. Its low levels correlate with increased cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality.
How can I increase my DHEA naturally?
DHEA can be increased naturally in certain circumstances. Under caloric restriction, for example, DHEA quantities increase. For this reason, some have suggested that caloric restriction might increase lifespan. Regular exercise also raises the body's natural output of DHEA.
Does DHEA raise estrogen?
DHEA produced a significant rise in androgens levels, whereas HRT did not. Moreover, DHEA alone induced a significantly lower increase in estrogens and beta-endorphin levels and a higher decrease in cortisol levels than HRT. DHEA and HRT also produced a significant similar increase in allopregnanolone levels.
Does DHEA Raise testosterone?
Your body can transform DHEA into testosterone. Taking a DHEA may increase your testosterone levels. A 2013 study found that taking 50 milligrams (mg) of DHEA per day raised the free testosterone levels of middle-aged adults undergoing high-intensity interval training.
Can I take DHEA and CoQ10 together?
Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between CoQ10 and DHEA. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
How does DHEA help?
Inflammation is often considered as the root cause of most diseases. It is also tied to most age-related health problems. However, restoring the natural production of DHEA with certain lifestyle changes and taking DHEA supplements can help improve a number of youthful qualities.
Why is DHEA important?
5. Lowers the Risk of Diabetes and Maintains a Healthy Heart. Although researchers still are not exactly sure why, higher DHEA levels in the body are often associated with a lower the risk of clotting problems, heart diseases, clogged arteries, insulin resistance or diabetes, and high levels of cholesterol.
What is DHEA hormone?
What is DHEA? DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is considered as a prohormone, which is often associated with longevity, body strength, and lean muscle mass in an individual. DHEA is naturally created in the body and has a vital role in various metabolic functions. It is also known as one of the most abundant hormones in the body.
What is a DHEA supplement?
DHEA supplements are usually taken to promote effective weight loss and enhance athletic performance, which concentrates on building lean muscle mass. A type of DHEA supplement called 7-Keto-DHEA helps individuals maintain high metabolism levels along with the prevention of muscle loss and age-based weight gain.
What is DHEA in health?
DHEA promotes hormonal balance, which is necessary to maintain energy, motivation, and a positive outlook on life. Moreover, it helps reduce the risk of developing a number of health conditions, which also contribute to depression. They include: Infertility. Weight gain.
What are the effects of DHEA?
2. Improves Bone Density and Promotes Lean Muscle Mass. DHEA is often associated with anti-aging effects such as preventing bone loss, fractures, and other conditions such as osteoporosis.
Where does DHEA come from?
It is also known as one of the most abundant hormones in the body. Naturally occurring DHEA is primarily produced by the adrenal glands, but men also secrete this hormone from their testes. Once DHEA is produced in the body, it is converted into several other hormones such as androstenedione and various sex hormones.
What is DHEA used for?
Since low levels of DHEA have been detected in some individuals with conditions like diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease, DHEA supplements are also commonly used as an alternative remedy to treat or prevent such conditions.
How long does DHEA last?
Depression: 30 mg to 500 mg of DHEA taken by mouth daily for 6 to 8 weeks either alone or together with antidepressant drugs. 2 .
What is DHEA in sports?
Metabolic syndrome. Multiple sclerosis. Parkinson's disease. DHEA is also said by some to slow the aging process, improve sports performance, enhance libido, promote weight loss, and bolster the immune system.
Where is DHEA made?
What to Look For. Other Questions. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone available in dietary supplement form. Found naturally in your body, it's made in the adrenal glands. The DHEA found in dietary supplements is a synthetic form of the hormone, produced from diosgenin, ...
Does DHEA increase testosterone?
DHEA is a prohormone and may increase testosterone levels. Its use is banned by sports organizations such as the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association. 6 However, there is little evidence to show that DHEA has any effect on enhancing muscle strength.
Is DHEA good for depression?
What's more, the review found that DHEA may relieve depressive symptoms in people with conditions like schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa. 5
Is DHEA a supplement?
DHEA is sometimes used as a supplement by people with the following health problems , although in many cases the use is not yet supported by research, and the FDA has not approved DHEA in the treatment of any condition: 2 . Alzheimer's disease. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Depression.
What is the DHEA hormone?
Overview. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.
What drugs can be used with DHEA?
Antipsychotics. Use of DHEA with antipsychotics such as clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz, others) might reduce the drug's effectiveness. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, others). Use of DHEA with this drug used to treat seizures, nerve pain and bipolar disorder might reduce the drug's effectiveness. Estrogen.
Does DHEA cause hair growth?
DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels. Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders. DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).
Does DHEA cause cancer?
DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA.
Does DHEA help with depression?
A small study suggested that taking DHEA supplements might improve skin hydration and firmness, and decrease aging spots in elderly adults. Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating depression than placebo, especially in people with low DHEA levels. Osteoporosis.
Does DHEA help with aging?
Aging. In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-being, cognitive function and body composition. But so far research hasn't proved this to be true.
Can you use DHEA if you have cancer?
If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA. Don't use DHEA if you're pregnant or breastfeeding. Consider avoiding use of DHEA if you have high cholesterol or a condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart (ischemic heart disease).
What is DHEA used for?
DHEA is used by some people who want to "reverse" aging and boost immunity, cognitive function, and muscle strength. For now, studies don't back up these uses. DHEA has been studied as a treatment for other conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease to menopause to Alzheimer's. The results have been unclear.
What is DHEA supplement?
DHEA ( dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that's naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Levels of DHEA naturally drop after age 30. Some people take DHEA supplements in the hopes that DHEA will have health benefits and prevent some illnesses. However, the evidence is mixed.
What are the side effects of DHEA?
What are the risks of taking DHEA? 1 Side effects. Most side effects are mild, like headache, fatigue, insomnia, and congestion. Because DHEA affects hormone levels, it can cause other symptoms. Women may have abnormal periods, acne, or mood changes. They might also take on masculine characteristics, such as facial hair or a deeper voice. Men might develop more breast tissue, high blood pressure, and other problems. 2 Risks. Using high doses of DHEA may not be safe. People who have heart problems, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a history of clotting problems should not use DHEA. DHEA may increase the risk of some cancers that are affected by hormones, like cancers of the breast, ovaries, and prostate. 3 Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using DHEA supplements. They could interact with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, hormone therapy, and drugs for diabetes and heart or liver problems.
What are the effects of low DHEA?
Low DHEA levels are associated with aging and a number of diseases, such as anorexia, type 2 diabetes, and HIV. In older men, having low levels of DHEA is also associated with a higher chance of death. However, it's not clear that using DHEA supplements will help lower the risks of getting any diseases. DHEA is used by some people who want ...
Does DHEA help with depression?
A number of studies have found that DHEA supplements may help people with depression, obesity, lupus, and adrenal insufficiency. DHEA may also improve skin in older people and help treat osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and some psychological conditions.
Does DHEA cause headaches?
Most side effects are mild, like headache, fatigue, insomnia, and congestion. Because DHEA affects hormone levels, it can cause other symptoms. Women may have abnormal periods, acne, or mood changes. They might also take on masculine characteristics, such as facial hair or a deeper voice.
Can DHEA be used with blood thinners?
Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using DHEA supplements. They could interact with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, hormone therapy, and drugs for diabetes and heart or liver problems.
What is DHEA hormone?
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone that’s produced by your body. Some of it is converted into the major male and female sex hormones testosterone and estrogen ( 1. Trusted Source. ). Its effects can be driven by the actions of testosterone and estrogen after this conversion occurs, as well as by the DHEA molecule itself ( 2.
How much does DHEA decrease as you age?
In fact, it’s estimated that DHEA decreases by up to 80% throughout adulthood. This isn’t just relevant for older adults, as levels begin to decrease around age 30 ( 3. ).
Does DHEA help with fertility?
May Improve Sexual Function, Fertility and Libido. It’s no surprise that a supplement that affects the male and female sex hormones also affects sexual function. For starters, DHEA supplements may improve the function of the ovaries in women with impaired fertility.
Does 7 keto DHEA help you lose weight?
While more research is needed, it’s possible that this form of DHEA could help you lose fat. Summary: Most research shows that standard DHEA supplements are not typically effective for fat loss. However, a different form of this hormone called 7-Keto DHEA might be more effective in aiding fat loss.
Does DHEA increase muscle mass?
Due to its ability to increase testosterone levels, many believe that DHEA can increase muscle mass or muscle strength ( 16. Trusted Source. ). However, the majority of research shows that taking DHEA supplements does not increase muscle mass or muscle performance.
Is DHEA a natural hormone?
Written by Grant Tinsley, PhD — Updated on July 8, 2017. Many people claim balancing your hormones is the key to looking and feeling better. While there are many natural ways to balance your hormones, medications or supplements can also alter your hormone levels and provide health benefits. DHEA is both a natural hormone and popular supplement ...
Does DHEA reduce fat?
One study found that DHEA decreased fat mass by about 4% over the course of four months, although this was in patients with adrenal gland problems ( 28. Trusted Source. ). While the effects of standard DHEA supplements on fat mass aren’t impressive, a different form of DHEA may be more promising.
What is DHEA used for?
Some evidence supports the use of DHEA for a few situations, most of them highly specific. These include: Adrenal Health. If the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones, a condition called adrenal insufficiency can occur. Doctors treat this condition with two types of corticosteroids.
How much DHEA should I take?
The usual dosage of DHEA is 50 milligrams (mg). If you are taking DHEA for a specific medical reason, such as depression, your doctor may suggest a higher dose. There are no natural food sources for DHEA. The supplement is synthesized from a plant called Mexican yam, but the human body cannot extract DHEA from the yam.
What medications can DHEA interact with?
There is also a fairly long list of medications that DHEA may interact with, including hormones, steroids, insulin, blood thinners, and antidepressants. Hormonal Imbalance. Taking DHEA could throw your hormones out of balance.
Where is DHEA made?
DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone made by the body, mostly in the adrenal glands. DHEA is a male hormone, or androgen. You can see the "andro-" in the hormone's full name. It is also a steroid hormone, as you can see in the suffix, "-sterone."
When does DHEA peak?
They also know that levels of DHEA rise at puberty, peak in the 20s, and then begin a slow but steady decline.
Can you take DHEA if you have enlarged prostate?
Anyone on hormone therapy. Heart Disease. If you have high cholesterol or a condition affecting the blood supply to your heart, you should not take DHEA. It can lower your HDL cholesterol, the "good" cholesterol . Amounts and Dosage. The usual dosage of DHEA is 50 milligrams (mg).
Does DHEA help with assisted reproduction?
Treatment with DHEA appears to improve outcomes for women using assisted reproduction. A meta-analysis of 21 studies found a positive result for women undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI).
How does DHEA help the body?
DHEA helps improve the body’s natural ability to use energy and burn fat, two metabolic processes that usually decline as someone ages. DHEA helps shuttle glucose to cells for energy, reduce insulin levels and stimulate fat burning . As I mentioned earlier, DHEA improves lean muscle mass.
How does DHEA help with age related health problems?
1. Lowers Inflammation. Inflammation is the root of most diseases and is tied to just about every age-related health problem that exists. Restoring DHEA production, both naturally with certain lifestyle habits and also through use of supplements, can improve many youthful qualities.
Why do people take DHEA?
Lower levels of hormones, including DHEA, even predict earlier death in older adults. ( 10) One of the most compelling reasons to use DHEA supplements involves their ability to boost the immune system and block disease reactivity.
When does DHEA level drop?
DHEA levels naturally start to decline after the age of 30, which is precisely when many adults start to experience weight gain, sluggishness, lowered libido and other symptoms caused by higher levels of inflammation. ( 4)
What gland produces DHEA?
The adrenal glands are the primary producers of naturally occurring DHEA, but men also secrete it from their testes. Once produced, your body converts it to several other hormones, including androstenedione and several sex hormones, earning it the nick name “the parent hormone.”. ( 2)
Can you take DHEA supplements for breast cancer?
Similarly, women being treated for breast cancer should also avoid DHEA supplements since it can increase estrogen, which is tied to higher risk for breast cancer development.
Is DHEA a good supplement?
Risks and Side Effects. DHEA is a powerful hormone and therefore works differently than other vitamins, minerals or supplements. Hormones are not easily excreted through urine and can cause problems when they are taken or produced in excess amounts, since all hormones need to balance each other out and work together.
What is the role of DHEA in the body?
Benefits and Risks. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced primarily by your adrenal glands. Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and also produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Unlike these other hormones, your levels of DHEA decline significantly as you get older.
What is DHEA made of?
What is DHEA? DHEA is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol. It’s primarily produced in your adrenal glands, but small amounts are also made by your gonads, fat tissue, brain, and skin. It has many roles in your body, but not all these roles are well understood.
What hormones are produced by the adrenal glands?
Your adrenal glands sit on top of your kidneys and also produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone. Unlike these other hormones, your levels of DHEA decline significantly as you get older. Your levels of DHEA are highest when you’re around the age ...
Where does the body produce DHEA?
Your body produces most of its DHEA in your adrenal glands. Your ad renal glands also produce cortisol and aldosterone. Adrenal insufficiency is when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough of these hormones.
When does DHEA peak?
DHEA levels peak around the time you’re 20 and may drop to less than 20 percent of their peak value over the next 40 to 60 years of your life. Low levels are linked to several conditions, such as depression and sexual dysfunction. You can buy a synthetic form of DHEA in the form of oral tablets or topical creams.
When is DHEA highest?
Your levels of DHEA are highest when you’re around the age of 20 and then decline by about 10 percent per decade. By the time you reach your 70s or 80s, your DHEA levels may only be 10 to 20 percent. Trusted Source. of what they were during their peak.
Does DHEA cause vaginal atrophy?
Vaginal atrophy is a thinning of the vagina that often occurs during or after menopause due to a loss of estrogen. A 2015 study. Trusted Source. has found that DHEA may improve symptoms of vaginal atrophy, but more research is needed to fully understand these effects.
Uses
Possible Benefits
- Despite the many claims about DHEA supplements, the evidence about its benefits is not conclusive. Here's a look at some of the available research.
Possible Side Effects
- Because DHEA is a hormone, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. If not used under a doctor's care or if dosed incorrectly, DHEA can cause side effects that include: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Acne 3. Breast tenderness 4. Deepening of the voice in women 5. Facial hair growth 6. Fatigue 7. Greasy or oily skin 8. Hair loss 9. Heart palpitations 10. High blood pressure 11. Insomnia 12. Irregular or rapid heartbeats 13. I…
Dosage and Preparation
- There is no recommended daily allowance for DHEA supplements. There is some evidence to recommend the following dosages for these specific conditions: 1. Aging skin:50 milligrams (mg) of DHEA taken by mouth daily for one year or a 1% DHEA cream applied to the face and hands twice daily for up to four months 2. Depression: 30 mg to 500 mg of DHEA taken by mouth daily for six to eight weeks either alone or together with antidepressa…
Summary
- Low levels of DHEA, a hormone that turns into male and female sex hormones, is associated with a wide range of conditions including depression and menopause symptoms. Supplements can be made from a plant substance, but the benefits of these supplements are not well known. Your doctor may recommend using oral or topical treatments containing DHEA to...