Nature's most abundant hormone…

DHEA is a steroid hormone produced partly from cholesterol by the adrenal glands of both males and females.  Men make a little more DHEA than women. 

From the adrenal glands, DHEA passes into the cells where it is converted into the steroid sex hormones — testosterone, in particular, and estrogen.  Production of DHEA in the body peaks in your 20's and then declines gradually with age.  With the decline in DHEA in the body comes a decline in testosterone and estrogen - by your 70's you'll only have around 10-20% of the level you had in your prime.

DHEA the anti-aging wonder food..

DHEA supplements primarily are being taken to replace the DHEA that has been lost to aging - as a more "natural" form of hormone replacement
therapy.  In many European countries it is used extensively in this way - particularly with the alarming reports of possible adverse side effects from standard HRT treatments. 

The potential for DHEA to slow down the aging process has received a great deal of attention in recent years.  Some of the claims made include:

• increases energy
• elevates mood
  
• increases sex drive
  
• builds lean body mass and decreases body fat - resulting in increased muscle strength and improved metabolism
• helps protect and boost the immune system
• buffers the effects of stress hormones in the body
  
• lowers blood pressure levels
• improves brain function
  

The evidence for DHEA…

Encouraging results have been found for DHEA when studies have been carried out using animals and in the laboratory with test-tube experiments.  Clear evidence emerged that DHEA can help slow down the aging process and helps maintain a more youthful physical appearance with greater stamina and energy.  It does appear to enhance learning and memory because it stimulates the development of brain cells.

Its role in controlling obesity - building lean body mass and inhibiting fat production - is also confirmed by these studies.  Of course finding benefits from DHEA from animal studies or in test-tube experiments is not the same as real results from humans.  The results may not transfer. 

There have been studies done on human volunteers in recent years - but less of them.  Most of these studies were short-term, clinical trials looking at small numbers of older people taking relatively low doses of DHEA.  The results showed that there were benefits and few side effects from DHEA as a supplement.  A longer term study on the effects of continued use of DHEA is underway but results are unlikely to be available for some time.

Buying DHEA…

Since nutritional supplements are not regulated by the FDA, quality, purity, and effectiveness of DHEA supplements vary greatly.  Some critics say that only prescribed DHEA is effective but this is probably not the case now with the growth of quality suppliers on the internet.

Steer clear of the Mexican yams…

Two types of DHEA supplements are widely available: a yam-based precursor to DHEA and "real" DHEA. Yam-based DHEA is - as the name suggests - derived from wild yams producing a supplement which is claimed to convert to DHEA in the body.  There are different sources on the market but many claims are made for Mexican wild yams as being the most potent and effective at converting to DHEA.

Our advice is to steer clear of this form of DHEA precursor  - no matter where the Yams come from.  Research is pretty conclusive that the precursors may not convert to DHEA in the body - meaning that as a DHEA supplement they are practically useless.  Avoid sites that try to sell these as a DHEA alternative and keep your money in your pocket. 

"Real" DHEA is what you want…

"Real" DHEA supplements are based on 100% natural botanical (non-synthetic) sources.  Look for DHEA supplements which are pure pharmaceutical grade DHEA.  These are the best available and are likely to be the most effective in raising the body's DHEA levels.

Of the "real" DHEA supplements available on the market, choose the micronized, wax-coated, capsules which release into the bloodstream over a 12 hour period.  The reason for this is because they enter the bloodstream predominantly as DHEA, rather than as testosterone. This means that any possibility of androgenic (male-like) side effects in women is minimized. 

Finally, find a good source and stick to it - if the source changes or there is a substitution proposed - decide whether you are being offered the same thing and only take it if you are satisfied you are.

DHEA side effects…

Adverse effects have been noted with DHEA use but usually with excessive doses - around 100mg a day.  At this level, DHEA can cause side effects associated with major changes in the natural hormone balance including:

• excess facial hair or deepened voices for women
  
• acne breakouts,
  
• loss of head hair
  
• increased risk of breast cancer and heart disease
• palpitations
  

It should be stressed though that many of these occur only where users push limits beyond what is sensible.  For example some high levels of  DHEA use have been found in the less responsible parts of the body-building community where other abuses of dangerous substances may also occur. 

Remember the type of DHEA you take is important as well as the level of dosage - taking "real" DHEA at correct dosages should avoid any of the side effects - but proceed with caution if you are at risk from a family history of heart attack or breast cancer. 

Recommended levels of DHEA..

Our advice is to proceed sensibly and to take medical advice if you have a family history or are at risk from any of the more serious reported side effects.  Find a physicial who supports the use of DHEA and have a blood/saliva test to determine current levels of DHEA.  Then discuss what level of DHEA you want to achieve - normal for your age or for a young adult and agree a dosage based on what you are aiming to achieve. 

Of course you don't need medical advice to take DHEA - some doctors may not be happy to be involved in this type of care - some are actively against nutritional supplements or have a dismissive attitude towards them.  There are also doctors who are not comfortable with patients who want to be involved in their own health management. 

If you feel you are normally healthy and fit and don't need medical advice then do your shopping on the internet and proceed sensibly and with care.  Many hundreds of thousands of people do this with DHEA every year without any problems.

Generally - sensible levels of use are between 5mg to 25mg per day. DHEA is being successfully prescribed at these levels already in the treatment of menopausal conditions for women in Europe.  Few if any side effects are being reported. 

As with any new oral medication or supplement, monitor your body's response and take a break every now and then - a hormone holiday.  If you have any adverse side effects - simply stop.  DHEA may not be for the best supplement for you.

Taking DHEA daily..

It is better to take DHEA along with food that has some fat in it to improve its absorption. You should start to feel the benefit from DHEA within two to three weeks from when you first start but benefits will build over time so don't be impatient.

If you decide to take DHEA as with any supplement - don't sit back and assume it will do all the work for you - you should still adhere to a healthy diet full of anti-aging nutrients and follow a sensible regular exercise routine.  Doing all these things will work for you in a way that just relying on one of them will not.