DHEA, or dehyrdoepiandrosterone, is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands, gonads and the brain. Production begins very early in life and levels of DHEA are high even in the fetal stages. Levels gradually rise until age 25, when production is sharply reduced. Because DHEA regulates the production and use of 18 other steroid hormones, including estrogen and testosterone, it is vital to a variety of the body's systems.
Overall Well-being
Dr. Samuel Yen, a reproductive endocrinologist studying DHEA at the University of California at San Diego, states that DHEA is "a drug that may help people age more gracefully." A double-blind study conducted by Yen and his associates in 1994 had significant results. The researchers divided 17 women and 13 men aged between 40 and 70 years old into two groups: the control group received a placebo while the other was given 50 mg of DHEA orally for three months. When the study concluded, 82 percent of the women and 67 percent of the men reported an improvement in sleep, ability to cope with stress and basic well-being. In contrast, only 10 percent of the control group reported any improvement.
The brain contains 6.5 more DHEA than any other tissue in the body and it directly affects cognitive function and memory. DHEA acts as a growth hormone in the brain, stimulating neurons to grow new dendrites. DHEA also regulates levels of coritsol, the so-called "stress hormone."
Sexual Function
DHEA is most commonly converted into estrogen and testosterone by the body. For this reason, many studies have been conducted in an attempt to understand it's possible uses as treatment for erectile dysfunction, loss of libido and menopause.
The results are still unclear as to the affects DHEA has on sex drive. It has been found by scientists at the University of Vienna to improve both organic and non-organic erectile dysfunction but the results of this and many other tests have been contested.
DHEA has also been studied as a treatment for the many symptoms of menopause. The results of these tests vary. The most promising research has been done by Dr. Reina Villareal and colleagues regarding DHEA's affect on bone density. Osteoporosis is caused by a decrease in estrogen and DHEA is converted into a form of estrogen that can slow, or even reverse, bone loss. These improvements appear to occur only in older women.
Effects on the Immune System
DHEA plays an important role in aiding the immune system in its fight against bacterial and viral infections. As the body ages, immune responses slow. The immune system appears to lose the ability to identify infections. The adrenal gland shrinks significantly in size, possibly increasing the risk for older persons.
DHEA supplementation has been shown to help older populations reinforce their immune systems. Another study conducted by Drs. Omid Khorram, Lan Vu and Samuel Yen orally administered 50 mg daily for 20 weeks to nine healthy men with an average age of 63. The conclusion was made that "Administration of oral DHEA at a daily dose of 50 mg to age-advanced men with low serum DHEA levels significantly activated immune function." However the researchers were also careful to state that the exact mechanism through which DHEA enhances the immune system is unknown. Their findings were published in 1996 in "The Journals of Gerontology."
Theories/Speculation
The immune-boosting qualities of DHEA have led scientists to consider its possible uses in the treatment of autoimmune diseases and cancer. It is also being explored for it affects on diabetes, Alzheimer's disease and heart disease. In all cases, further testing is needed.
High doses of DHEA have also been shown to make considerable improvements in muscle mass and body composition. That fact, combined with its proven effects on sense of well-being, has led to its use by a variety of athletes and bodybuilders. However, no significant changes have been observed in younger populations or those who do not have a deficiency. Again, further testing is needed.
Warning
DHEA is still not fully understood. Although it is readily available, consult your doctor before taking any supplements. Over-supplementation could prevent your body from creating its own DHEA.
Men with prostate cancer, women with ovarian cancer, children, adolescents, and pregnant and nursing women should not take DHEA. Large doses of DHEA can cause liver damage. Due to its interference with natural hormone production, women taking doses of 100 mg or higher per day could experience facial hair growth.
References
- "The Official Anti-aging Revolution"; Ronald Klatz, Robert Goldman; 2007
- "The Journals of Gerontology"; Activation of Immune Function by Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in Age-Advanced Men; Omid Khorram, Lan Vu and Samuel S. C. Yen; May 1996
- "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism"; Effects of Replacement Dose of DHEA in Men and Women of Advancing Age; Arlene Morales, John Nolan, Jerald Nelson, and Samuel Yen; 1994
