What Is DHEA 25?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone that is produced naturally by the adrenal glands and the testes. According to MedlinePlus, it can also be synthesized from yams or soy, but eating these foods will not produce additional DHEA in the body. DHEA is a precursor to sex hormones, including testosterone, which has made it controversial. Its potential for building muscle mass, at least in the short term, is not currently supported by science. DHEA 25 is a 25-mg capsule of the hormone.

Function

MedlinePlus describes DHEA as a "parent hormone," because its major function is as a precursor to other hormones. First, DHEA is converted in the body into androstenedione. This hormone can then be converted into testosterone, estrogen or other sexual hormones. DHEA levels in the blood decline as a result of natural aging. Lower DHEA levels are also associated with depression.

Significance

DHEA is used as a part of treatment for a wide variety of conditions. In addition to its use by athletes and bodybuilders looking to increase muscle mass, DHEA has been prescribed to Alzheimer's patients to improve cognition and to men suffering from erectile dysfunction. It has also been attempted as part of treatments for lupus, osteroporosis, multiple sclerosis, schizophrenia, heart disease, diabetes, menopause and Parkinson's disease. Some claims state that DHEA might help with weight loss.

Effects

Despite its seemingly promising potential, the National Institutes of Health is cautious about DHEA's effectiveness. DHEA is "possibly effective" in improving mineral and bone density for individuals with osteoporosis, reducing the frequency of some lupus symptoms and improving schizophrenia, particularly in women. It is also possibly effective at helping men achieve erections, unless their dysfunction is caused by nerve disorder or diabetes. But the evidence is simply inconclusive to decide either for or against most of the other claims for DHEA.

Misconception

Though DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and other anabolic hormones, it may not be particularly effective in building muscle mass or strength. A 1993 study published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found the short-term increases in lean muscle mass and strength in subjects given 100 mg per day of DHEA were statistically insignificant as compared to subjects given a placebo. The study was only conducted over 12 weeks, however, so there could be some potential for long-term gains or improved results at higher doses.

Potential

Despite the uncertain results of using DHEA for muscle-building, as well as the promising therapeutic uses, the testosterone precursor is currently banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the National Football League and the International Olympic Committee. In 2007, during the 110th Congress, a bill that would ban DHEA by scheduling it as an anabolic steroid was introduced by Senator Chuck Grassley and co-sponsored by Senator John McCain. The bill did not pass. DHEA is not one of the 58 steroids banned by major-league baseball.