Benefits of DHEA Supplementation
DHEA
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, and to a lesser extent, by the testes and ovaries. It can be converted into other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is not obtained through the diet.
The production of DHEA declines with age. Levels are at their highest around age 25 and decrease thereafter. By age 90, levels are about 5% of what they were at its peak. Because of this decline, many scientist believe DHEA contributes to the deterioration associated with aging (physically and mentally).
Benefits of DHEA Supplementation
Aging
Preliminary results from a study in France suggest DHEA supplementation may improve skin health, slow bone loss, and enhance sexual drive, especially in women over the age of 70. Another study[1], involving 24 healthy young men, found that DHEA treatment improved memory and mood and decreased cortisol levels (“stress” hormones). Some studies failed to detect any positive effects. More studies are needed.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency is when the adrenal glands don’t make enough DHEA, among other hormones. It is reported that women who have this condition had improved sexuality and decreased feelings of anxiety and depression when given DHEA supplements.
Impotence
One study[2], involving men with impotence and low levels of DHEA were either given 50mg of DHEA per day or a placebo for 6 months. The men taking DHEA showed significant improvement in both libido and erectile function. Those who took the placebo did not.
DHEA supplementation has also been shown to increase libido in adrenal-stressed women.
HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
Individuals with HIV tend to have low DHEA levels. As the disease progresses, levels decline even further. DHEA supplementation has been shown to improve mental function in people with HIV but have not yet been shown to improve immune function.
Other possible benefits of DHEA include:
- increasing bone density in older women
- preventing bone loss in young people with anorexia (anorexics tend to have decreased levels of DHEA)
- relieving menopausal symptoms, including diminished skin tone, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness
- treating infertility, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, schizophrenia, and cocaine withdrawal.
Precautions of DHEA Supplementation
DHEA supplements are not recommended for individuals younger than 40 years old, unless levels are known to be low.
DHEA can increase the production of testosterone. In women, this can cause signs of masculinization, including deepening of the voice, hair growth on the face, loss of hair on the head, and weight gain around the waist. In men, excess testosterone can cause problems such as male pattern baldness, aggressive tendencies, and shrinkage of the testicles.
Other reported side effects from DHEA supplementation include a reduction in “good” cholesterol (HDL) and high blood pressure.
Taking high doses of DHEA can stop the body’s natural ability to produce DHEA. It may also be toxic to the liver.
Individuals with cancers that are affected by hormones (such as breast, ovarian, prostate, and testicular) should avoid DHEA supplementation.
Before seeking benefits of DHEA through supplements, you should consult with your doctor first.
References
- [1] Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2006;188(4):541-51
- [2] Urology 1999;53:590–95
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This post is part of the series: Other Nutritional Supplements
Benefits of supplements.