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DHEA
By
Cruz Rios, BS, CPT
DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone made by the adrenal glands located above the kidneys. Over 150 hormones are made by the adrenal glands. However, DHEA is the most produced by the adrenal glands. Once made, DHEA goes into the blood stream traveling all over the body to be converted into male hormones androgens and female hormones estrogens. The benefits of DHEA for those with a deficiency include improved sense of wellbeing, more alertness, and stamina, and enhanced sexual interest and libido. Blood levels of all the steroid hormones that derive from DHEA metabolism are increased when people take DHEA supplements.
Some of the side effects in individuals with normal DHEA levels wanting to increase their levels are:
- Acne
- Increased sweat odor and possible scalping itching
- Menstrual irregularities
- Irritability and restlessness
- Hair thinning
- Heart palpitations or rhythm disturbances
Humans are thought to make between 10 to 15 mg of DHEA per day. These numbers are low in women by about 10 to 20%. However DHEA levels begin to decrease with age around 30 years of age.
There are other potential benefits from DHEA that have been indicated in human researches including:
- Help in men and women with osteoporosis
- Its an effective addition to the conventional treatment of those who suffer from hypopituitarism
- May reverse bone loss and some of the emotional disturbances associated with anorexia nervosa.
- Improves blood vessel function and insulin sensitivity in middle aged men.
- It can improve mental function in patients with advanced HIV.
In summary, No fatalities have been recorded in the medical literature regarding the use of this hormone by the general public. Although DHEA has side effects in high dosages, It does not have the acute toxicity that other non prescription medicines such as aspirin or Tylenol have. Discussing with your health care provided should be paramount when making a decision to use or not to use this dietary supplement. Companies voluntarily sell and recommend only low dosages of this hormone, such as 5mg.
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