Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a sex hormone produced within the body by the adrenal glands, and is the chemical precursor to both androgens--male hormones and estrogens--female hormones. DHEA is also sold as a nutritional supplement in many pharmacies and health stores, and marketed in various formulations under a variety of claimed effects from muscle-building performance enhancement to immune system boosting. Examining what the experts have to say about the effects of DHEA in men is crucial to understanding this chemical's role in men's health.
Endogenous vs. Supplemental Effects
DHEA is an endogenous hormone, which means the body makes its own supply. The adrenal glands begin producing significant amounts of DHEA at the onset of puberty, triggering changes in young men associated with increased testosterone production. Growth of body hair, muscle development and deepening of the male voice are all effects of endogenous DHEA. According to MedlinePlus, DHEA levels peak in most males around the age of 30, and then gradually decline throughout adulthood, dwindling in the later years of life. As a supplement, non-endogenous synthetic DHEA is available over-the-counter alone or in combination with other chemicals. The primary, scientifically-acknowledged effect of taking DHEA supplements, reports the Mayo Clinic, is an increase in levels of androgens and estrogens within the male body. Each man's body is different, and the way these hormones act and the effects they produce will vary with each individual.
Positive Effects
Medical evidence supports several positive effects of DHEA supplementation in men. According to MedlinePlus, DHEA may yield positive effects for men with adrenal insufficiency--the body's inability to produce enough DHEA. In these cases, DHEA may boost sex drive and enhance energy. For men suffering from depression, DHEA can cause relief through elevating mood, although using DHEA for depression should only be considered with the guidance of a physician. DHEA supplements can also help combat obesity by promoting growth of muscle mass, leading to fat loss. Each of these effects of DHEA is classified by MedlinePlus as having "good scientific evidence" to support it.
Adverse Effects
Men taking DHEA should be aware of potential adverse side effects of the hormone. Since DHEA can produce an overabundance of testosterone in the body, potential adverse effects are similar to those of any steroid. These include high blood pressure, feelings of aggression, shrinkage of the testicles, and male pattern baldness, reports the University of Maryland Medical Center. Men with family histories of hormone-related cancer, such as testicular or prostate cancer, should avoid taking DHEA, since the effects of the hormone pose an increased risk for these diseases. Also, men under the age of 40 should avoid taking DHEA, since the risk of adverse effects is higher in men whose bodies still produce a significant amount of the hormone.
Effects on Aging
A topic of debate surrounding DHEA is whether it has any potential anti-aging effects, since the hormone does naturally decline throughout a man's life. However, this possible effect of DHEA--however tantalizing it may seem--is questionable at best. Although the idea of replacing the body's declining endogenous supply of DHEA using synthetic supplements seems logical, April 2008 information from the National Institute on Aging states that no conclusive evidence to support any anti-aging effects of DHEA exists.
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