What Is DHEA and What Is It Good For?

What Is DHEA and What Is It Good For?

Your adrenal glands produce dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA),^[1] a hormone that acts as a precursor to male and female sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone (precursor means your body transforms DHEA into these other hormones). As you get older, your body produces less and less DHEA^[2] — your natural production of DHEA tends to peak in your 20s — and these lower levels of DHEA can then manifest as various health concerns. That’s why an increasing number of adults are turning to DHEA supplements to get an extra boost in life and optimize their overall wellness.

DHEA Benefits

You produce your highest levels of DHEA in your mid-20s — and then it starts to decline. Over the ensuing decades, the DHEA produced by your adrenal glands drops by upwards of 80%.^[3] Because DHEA is critical in numerous processes in your body, taking DHEA supplements may provide a wide array of health benefits, especially as you age.

DHEA Supplements May Support Hormone Balance

Whether you want to ease the midlife transition or keep your engine revved and maintain balanced sexual health, DHEA is necessary for proper testosterone, estrogen and other sex hormone levels. As your natural DHEA levels drop over time, supplements may help to fill in the gap.

DHEA May Promote a Healthy Cardiovascular System

Heart health is the foundation for being your best self, doing more every day, and staying stronger longer. Maintaining proper DHEA levels may support various aspects of your cardiovascular system,^[4][5] such as healthy circulation and blood flow.

DHEA Helps You Get Up and Keep Moving

Are you concerned about staying active and promoting mobility and strength for your joints?  DHEA plays a role in nourishing your joints and maintenance of proper bone density.^[6][7][8]

DHEA May Encourage Healthy Aging

Because a drop in natural DHEA production correlates with getting older, some research findings suggest that taking DHEA may help to replenish your youthful vitality. If your goal is to feel confident in the skin you're in, DHEA supplements may help you feel and look youthful.^[9] However, more research is necessary to conclusively determine these benefits.

Side Effects of DHEA

Medical professionals use the Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Test to determine if you have high or low levels of DHEA in your system.^[10]

Side effects of DHEA supplementation may arise if you reach excessive levels of DHEA. Side effects vary by gender but are more pronounced in women and commonly^[11] include:

• Acne and oily skin
• Changes in voice
• Hair growth on both your body and your face
• Hair loss on your scalp
• Changes in muscle mass
• Fertility issues

Consult your doctor if you have concerns about the side effects and safety of DHEA supplements, as many factors — such as your age, gender and lifestyle habits — affect your body’s natural production of DHEA and how DHEA supplements may affect you.

DHEA Dosage

The most common daily DHEA dosage is 25 to 50 milligrams per day, although some older research studies have used dosages between 25–200 milligrams per day.

As noted above, the ideal levels of DHEA that you need for optimal health vary widely with your age, sex and lifestyle, and there’s no specific dosage that works for everyone.^[12] That’s because everyone’s adrenal glands produce different levels of naturally occurring DHEA, and what’s right for your health goals will vary based on your current health concerns.

For instance, women concerned about menopause symptoms, or athletes who are looking for support in their fitness pursuits, may need more DHEA than other people. Your doctor can help you determine your current DHEA levels and the right DHEA dosage to try in order to achieve your wellness goals.

Dosage Warnings: Who Should Avoid Taking DHEA Supplements?

As with all natural health supplements, check with a health professional to see how it may impact your health concerns or affect any pre-existing medical conditions. Some individuals may want to avoid taking DHEA supplements, such as:

• Athletes in competitive sports who must comply with the World Anti-Doping Agency Prohibited List,^[13] since most countries define DHEA supplements as a controlled anabolic steroid
• Individuals who have liver health issues^[14]
• People who are pregnant, breastfeeding or are attempting to get pregnant^[15]
• Those who have hormone-sensitive health concerns, including certain types of cancer^[16]

Your healthcare provider is best equipped to help you determine the benefits of DHEA, as well as any medical issues that may affect your use of DHEA and the best DHEA dosage for your optimal hormonal balance.

Who Should Take DHEA?              

Be your best you and, when it comes to getting older, keep the glow you've earned. You may benefit from taking DHEA supplements if you want to:

• Support any wellness concerns related to more balanced hormone levels
• Support your heart health
• Nourish and boost your athletic movements, joints and bones
• Age gracefully and preserve your health from the inside out

More and more research continues to be done on other areas in which DHEA supplements can support your efforts to feel your best. Ask your medical care provider about other aspects of your health that may benefit from taking DHEA, as new health studies continue to come out on a regular basis.

Replenish Youthful Vitality with the Best DHEA Supplements

Swanson’s wide array of DHEA gives you the estrogen and testosterone precursor that you need to support a wide range of benefits for both men and women. If you’re looking for pure, high-quality DHEA where unparalleled purity meets unbeatable prices, shop for the best DHEA supplements online with Swanson Health Products today.

You be well, now.

Swanson

 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

 

About Dr. Christopher Oseh

Christopher Oseh, MD, is a trained primary care physician leveraging almost a decade of clinical experience managing and counseling patients toward better health through positive lifestyle changes. He has a strong track record of treating and co-managing individuals with chronic illnesses.

 

Sources:

^[1] Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate. Univeristy of Florida Pathology Laboratories. Read source.

^[2] Adrenal Androgens and Aging. Endotext. Read source.

^[3] Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Serum. Mayo Clinic Laboratories. Read source.

^[4] Low Serum Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Are Associated With Coronary Heart Disease in Men With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. Front. Endocrinol. Read source.

^[5] Circulating DHEA-S levels and major cardiovascular outcomes in chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy: A prospective cohort study. International Journal of Cardeology. Read source.

^[6] Chapter Fourteen - Dehydroepiandrosterone and Experimental Osteoarthritis. Vitamins and Hormones. Read source.

^[7] Endogenous DHEAS Is Causally Linked With Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density and Forearm Fractures in Women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. Read source.

^[8] DHEA in bone: the role in osteoporosis and fracture healing. Arch Osteoporos. Read source.

^[9] Dehydroepiandrosterone. Mount Sinair. Read source.

^[10] Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate. Rochester Medical Center. Read source.

^[11] Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate. Rochester Medical Center. Read source.

^[12] Dehydroepiandrosterone and Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate. Rochester Medical Center. Read source.

^[13] What Should Athletes Know about DHEA? USADA. Read source.

^[14] Dehydroepiandrosterone. Mount Sinair. Read source.

^[15] Prasterone, DHEA Capsules or Tablets. Cleveland Clinic. Read source.

^[16] DHEA. Mayo Clinic. Read source.