DHEA, Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural steroid hormone
produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands found atop of the kidneys
in the human body. DHEA is structurally similar to, and is a precursor
of testosterone and estrogen.
In blood, DHEA is found as its derivative dehydroepiandrosterone
sulfate, DHEA-S.
DHEA production peaks in early adulthood, around the
age of 20, and declines afterwards. It is theorized by some that this
decline may be due to reduced oxygen and glucose supply to the adrenal
glands as a result of age-related atherosclerosis. It is the most abundant
steroid hormone in the human body.
Regular exercise is known to increase the amount of
DHEA in the body. (Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol 1998 Oct;78(5):466-71),
(Eur J Appl Physiol. 2001 Jul;85(1- 2):177-84), (J Gerontol A Biol Sci
Med Sci. 2002 Apr;57(4):B158-65).
Caloric restriction has also been shown to increase
DHEA in primates (Exp Gerontol. 2003 Jan-Feb; 38(1-2):35-46).
Disputed effects of DHEA
The significance of the hormone in health and disease
is not fully established. It is postulated that DHEA supplements are
beneficial in the prevention of:
- cardiovascular disease
- diabetes
- hypercholesterolemia
- obesity
- multiple sclerosis
- Parkinson's disease
- Alzheimer's disease
- disorders of the immune system
- depression
- osteoporosis
It is also commercially advertised that DHEA:
- helps decrease insulin resistance
- improves fat metabolism
- increases immune system function
- has anti-aging properties
- increases lean muscle mass
Precautions
Some assert that DHEA should not be supplemented outside
specialist centres under careful observation of experts in the field
of endocrinology.
Side effects may include:
- ireversible male breast enlargement, gynecomastia
- prostate gland enlargement
- extensive growth of body hair, or hirsutism
DHEA is a human hormone naturally produced in the body by the adrenal
glands. It circulates in the blood stream and is converted into other
hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
However, your body's production
of DHEA reaches its peak between the ages of 20 and 30, and then rapidly
declines. By the age of 80, production of this hormone is at only
5% of peak.
DHEA promotes improvement
in immune system function, and some studies have shown DHEA promotes
anti-aging effects, such as improvements in skin hydration and thickness,
and improvements in energy.
DHEA has also been reported
to promote weight control by lowering fat mass.
- Supports immune system
function
- Promotes youthful energy
levels
- Promotes weight loss
