DHEA supplements are becoming quite popular. And for the right reasons: DHEA supplements has the potential for a wide range of health benefits. These potential health benefits include more energy, strong muscles and bones, better mood, balanced hormone levels, healthy immune function, and improved brain and heart health.
Supplement Facts:
Each capsule contains 25 mg of DHEA.
Suggested Dose:
Take one capsule a day or as recommended by a healthcare professional. The usual starting dose of DHEA is 25 mg a day. Then, you can slowly increase it under the supervision of a doctor.*
What is DHEA anyway?
DHEA stands for DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE. It is a hormone which is produced mainly by the adrenal glands – two tiny structures sitting on top of your kidneys. DHEA is also produced by the testis, ovaries, skin, and brain. DHEA that comes from the adrenal glands is sulfated DHEA. It is called DHEA-S (DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE Sulfate.)
DHEA is produced from cholesterol. There is some concern that too low of cholesterol may decrease your DHEA levels.
DHEA also converts into testosterone and estrogen in both women and men.
Why do DHEA levels go down?
- Age – Your DHEA levels go down as you age. It is called “adrenopause”. By the age of 70–80 years, your level of DHEA may be as low as 10%–20% of your young age.
- stress
- severe systemic illness
- anorexia nervosa
- adrenal insufficiency
Symptoms of Low DHEA
Symptoms of low levels of DHEA include:
- Chronic fatigue
- Weak muscles
- Weak bones
- Depression
- Decreased sense of well-being
- Poor immune function
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction in men
- Vaginal dryness and pain during sex in women
You should have your DHEA level checked by your healthcare practitioner if you suspect low DHEA level. It can tested in the blood or saliva.
Potential Benefits of DHEA supplements
As mentioned above, most of us end up having low DHEA as we age. But, there is good news. With DHEA supplements we can boost our DHEA levels back into the healthy range. Numerous scientific studies support the following health benefits of DHEA supplements:
May improve muscle mass and prevent fracture
Most people break their bones after they take a fall. One of the major risk factors for falls in the elderly is muscle weakness. Your muscle mass decreases with age at a rate of 6% per decade, beginning around age 45. The risk for a bone fracture goes high as we age: 51% for women and 20% for men after the age of 50 are at risk of having a bone fracture.
Studies show DHEA supplementation may improve your body composition, muscle strength, and physical performance.(1,2,3,4)
DHEA Supplementation may improve bone density
In post-menopausal women, several studies show a beneficial effect of DHEA supplement on the bone density. 2,67,8,9
Positive effects of DHEA supplement on bone density have also been reported in men as well.7,8,10,11
DHEA Supplements may improve depression
Low levels of DHEA have been related to depression. 12,13 DHEA supplementation has been shown to improve depression.15,16,17
DHEA may be good for the cardiovascular health
Animal studies have suggested a beneficial effect of DHEA against atherosclerosis – hardening of the arteries. 18,19,20,21
Indeed, low DHEA predicted ischemic heart disease in a group of men in a 9-year follow-up study.22
Other researchers found an inverse relationship between DHEA levels and atherosclerosis of the common carotid artery. In other words, the lower the DHEA levels, the higher the risk of hardening of the common carotid arteries.23
Low DHEA levels were also associated with more severe coronary atherosclerosis in 206 middle-aged individuals. 24
Scientific studies supports a relationship between heart failure and low DHEA levels. In men, low DHEA has been associated with higher overall and cardiovascular mortality.25 In the same study, an increase of DHEA levels by 100 μg/dL was associated with a reduction of all cause mortality by 36% and cardiovascular mortality by 48%.25
DHEA supplements may improve sexual function in men and women
Low DHEA levels have been related to a higher risk for erectile dysfunction.26, 27,28 Scientific studies show DHEA supplementation may improve erectile function, desire, sexual interest, sexual activity, arousal, and fantasy.29
In one study, intra-vaginal administration of DHEA in women improved sexual arousal, sensation, lubrication, orgasm, and pain during sexual activity.30
In another study intra-vaginal administration of DHEA was effective for reversing vaginal atrophy in post-menopausal women. 31
The risk for breast cancer does not seem to increase with DHEA. 32
Side-effects of DHEA Supplements
Use of DHEA supplement is generally safe.
In women, only minimal adverse effects have been reported such as mild acne, seborrhea, facial hair growth, and ankle swelling. In a study, no adverse effects were observed on endometrium – lining of the uterus – or breast. 32
However, you probably should avoid DHEA supplements if you have – or a history of – breast or endometrial cancer. Men with prostate cancer should avoid DHEA supplements.
Discuss with your healthcare professional before taking DHEA supplement.
Dose of DHEA Supplements
Usual dose of DHEA supplement is 25-50 mg per day. Doses up 100 mg have been used in clinical studies and found to be safe. It is a good idea to start low such as 25 mg dose and then increase slowly.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product in not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
References
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12. Barrett-Connor E. von Muhlen D. Laughlin GA. Kripke A. Endogenous levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, but not other sex hormones, are associated with depressed mood in older women: The Rancho Bernardo Study. J Am Geriatr Soc. 1999;47:685–691. [PubMed]
13. Michael A. Jenaway A. Paykel ES. Herbert J. Altered salivary dehydroepiandrosterone levels in major depression in adults. Biol Psychiatry. 2000;48:989–995. [PubMed]
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15. Wolkowitz OM. Reus VI. Roberts E. Manfredi F. Chan T. Raum WJ. Ormiston S. Johnson R. Canick J. Brizendine L. Weingartner H. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) treatment of depression. Biol Psychiatry. 1997;41:311–318. [PubMed]
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Susan-Baker –
Menopause is not for the sissies! I developed vaginal dryness and lack of libido. My gynecologist recommended DHEA. I tried 100 mg dose but I started to grow hair at the wrong places. Then, I switched to this product – 25 mg. It is working well. No more extra hair on the upper lip. I would strongly recommend to start at this dose – and not a higher dose – if you are in the same boat. The article is also very informative. Thank you Dr. Z.