Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone found in the body that promotes the production of steroidal hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, cortisol and norepinephrine. DHEA has long been touted as a weight-loss agent, an anti-aging drug and an anti-disease supplement. It is commonly used as a dietary supplement to promote a healthy mood and is associated with youth, vitality and overall wellness. It was once sold as a prescription until 1994, when the FDA decided to allow it to be sold over-the-counter.
Levels of DHEA decrease sharply with age, particularly in women, and are most highly concentrated within the brain. The only known source of DHEA found outside of the human body is wild yams, which produce the precursor to DHEA used to make the dietary supplement.
DHEA has been implicated in the treatment of numerous diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, lupus, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is also commonly used as a dietary supplement to support immune system functioning, improve cognitive skills, promote a healthy mood, decrease menopausal symptoms, prevent osteoarthritis, treat impotence and increase overall energy. It has even shown promising results in fighting some types of cancers.
What to Look for
Too little research has been done on the effectiveness and recommended dose of this product because pharmaceutical companies cannot patent a naturally occurring substance. The small studies that have been done have suggested that optimal dosages vary greatly according to the purpose for taking DHEA. The effective dose for anti-aging may be anywhere from 5 to 50 mg, while the recommended dose for cancer intervention can be as high as 2,750 mg.
Responses to this supplement usually vary greatly depending upon individual hormonal balance and chemistry. Women using DHEA for menopausal symptoms may experience masculine side effects such as increased hair growth. DHEA has an energizing effect, which can be too stimulating for some people.
Because DHEA is produced by the body, users may want to consider cycling this supplement to avoid interfering with the body's ability to produce it independently.
Common Pitfalls
Individuals diagnosed with cancers of the reproductive organs such as breast, prostate, urinary, ovarian and bladder cancers are advised not to take this supplement, since it has hormonal properties that can support cancer cell growth. Those users with disorders such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes and cardiovascular disease are also advised to avoid this supplement.
Users should consult with their physicians before using this dietary supplement, since most natural alternatives act as a drug within the body and sometimes interact with prescription medications.
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