1. The 411 on DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a male steroid hormone, secreted by the adrenal glands, the ovaries and the testicles. Dehydroepiandrosterone (let's just call it DHEA) can also be converted into estrogen and testosterone. Because DHEA is a hormone produced by the body, you can't replace it with food or natural substances. Yams, Mexican yams and wild yams are often advertised as "natural DHEA" but this is a false claim. Natural DHEA only occurs in the body, and the nutrient from yams (disogenin) is used to make DHEA, but it has to be chemically processed several times to become DHEA. If you plan on taking DHEA, make sure you purchase pharmaceutical grade pure DHEA, not wild yam extract. You can buy DHEA in chewing gum or pill form, as well as drops that can be placed under the tongue. DHEA is also available as a topical cream.
2. DHEA for Autoimmune Disorders
Decreased levels of DHEA have been found in people with autoimmune disorders like lupus and immune deficiency syndrome. Other diseases that may be affected by low levels of DHEA include heart disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, osteoporosis, diabetes, organic brain disease and Alzheimer's disease. DHEA boosts the production of antibodies and monocytes. Monocytes are immune cells that attack foreign substances (like a virus) and boost our own immune system. Antioxidants help to boost the immune system by protecting the body against oxidation. When cells are protected against oxidation, the immune system becomes rejuvenated. In patients with lupus, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks itself, studies show that DHEA helps regulate the immune system and may reduce the need for medication and slow the frequency of flare-ups. Clinical tests are ongoing to test how DHEA treats other diseases as well as autoimmune disorders.
3. The Downside of DHEA
DHEA is a male hormone and a precursor of estrogen and testosterone. Those who have cancer that is affected by hormones, including prostate cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer and ovarian cancer should not take DHEA. People under the age of 35, especially children, should not take DHEA unless blood tests show a low level. Women taking DHEA may develop masculine qualities, including hair loss, deep voice, hair growth on the face, acne or weight gain around the waist. Men may develop increased testosterone qualities including male pattern baldness, high blood pressure, increased aggressive behavior and shrinkage of testicles. Some studies also show that increased levels of DHEA can reduce the good cholesterol known as HDL.
