DHEA Hormone Review: Benefits and Side Effects

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an important steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Because it plays a role in many body processes, it is thought that an imbalance in DHEA can cause a number of health problems. The fact that the body has DHEA receptors is evidence of its important role.

Research suggests that DHEA can be used to treat a variety of conditions with minimal side effects. It appears that DHEA is useful in the fight against heart disease, obesity, Alzheimer’s disease, cancer, immune system disorders and other health problems.

DHEA has also been examined for its possible affect on both the aging and fat burning processes. Some researchers believe that DHEA can convert calories into heat energy and that it may be the only substance that can lower fat in the body without a change in diet.

There also seems to be a direct correlation between levels of DHEA and levels of other hormones, making DHEA a particularly interesting substance among athletes. Initially at least, there was some speculation that DHEA may have anabolic characteristics. Studies have shown, however, that this is not the case...

Beginning at about age 20, levels of DHEA in both men and women begin to decrease, and by age 80, estimates are that approximately 95% of the hormone has been lost. Scientists have begun to connect the loss of DHEA to the adverse consequences of aging, and it is believed by some that supplements of DHEA may prove to be a sort of “fountain of youth.”

Since DHEA is a hormone, taking it in supplement form is not without risk, and blood tests to determine current levels of DHEA should be taken before anyone considers using supplements of the hormone. Only when levels are depleted should DHEA therapy be considered.

Optimal ranges of DHEA are in the range of 400-560 mcg/dL for men and 350-430 mcg/dL for women. In many cases, people over the age of 40 have levels around 200 mcg/dL, and in some cases levels drop below 100 mcg/dL by this age. It appears that this drop in DHEA levels is associated with the chronic and degenerative diseases that begin to occur after age 40.

Precautions that should be followed by people who use DHEA supplements differ for men and women. Men should have PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels tested and pass a digital rectal exam before using DHEA.

Men with prostate cancer or significant prostate problems should not use DHEA since it is a precursor to testosterone, which may cause tumors to grow. Conversely, since low levels of DHEA are associated with prostate cancer, maintaining youthful levels of the hormone may protect against the development of the disease in healthy men.

While supplementing with DHEA, men may benefit from taking nutrients and herbs that are known to protect the prostate. These include vitamin E, selenium, lycopene, soy, and saw palmetto extract. Both PSA and DHEA levels should be checked every six to twelve months after beginning therapy with DHEA.

For women, the concern with DHEA supplementation involves estrogen levels. While it is possible that DHEA may eliminate the need for estrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women, care must be taken to ensure that estrogen levels do not become too high.

Aside from checking levels of both DHEA and estrogen periodically, women using DHEA supplements may protect themselves from excessive estrogen levels with supplements like melatonin, vitamin E, soy, and vitamin D. Women who have been diagnosed with estrogen-dependent cancers should avoid DHEA entirely or consult a physician before taking it.

The usual dosage of DHEA is 25 to 200 mg taken early in the day. DHEA is absorbed best if taken with fat or in an oil-based capsule. People with liver disease should use sublingual supplements (taken under the tongue) or creams to reduce the amount of DHEA that gets into the liver. Also, liver enzymes should be monitored to make sure that DHEA does not exacerbate an existing liver condition.

Have you been the victim of a product that makes exaggerated claims? Launch a complaint!

US visitors should submit a complaint to the US Federal Trade Commission!

Canadians, submit a complaint at the Canadian Competition Bureau!