Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone produced in the adrenal glands and liver of men and women, as well as in the male testes. Your body uses this substance in the creation of other important hormones, including androstenedione, testosterone and estrogen. The effects of DHEA on muscle mass vary with factors that include age and the source of the hormone.
Basics
DHEA is a precursor or parent hormone, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus. Once it forms, your body converts it into androstenedione, which in turn serves as the source for the main sex hormones in both men and women. Supplemental forms of DHEA come from isolated chemicals derived from both soybeans and wild yams. The hormone is also sometimes referred to as DHEA-S, or dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate.
Excessive DHEA Production
Excessive internal production of DHEA in girls can trigger the development of male characteristics and a significant increase in muscle size or mass, according to the Nemours Foundation's KidsHealth. Additional potential masculine characteristics that can develop in these circumstances include acne, inconsistent or absent menstruation, a deepened speaking voice and growth of facial hair. Your daughter may produce excessive DHEA if she has a condition called congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which is characterized by an overproduction of male hormones called androgens or an underproduction of other hormones.
Elderly Individuals
You naturally lose some degree of muscle mass with advancing age. You also lose some of your natural DHEA supply as you age, MedlinePlus reports. Supplemental DHEA is sometimes given to offset age-related decreases in muscle mass, but the benefits of this supplementation are unclear. On one hand, MedlinePlus notes, DHEA supplementation does not appear to directly improve muscle mass in individuals over the age of 60 with low DHEA levels. On the other hand, a study conducted at the Washington University School of Medicine concluded that use of DHEA by elderly individuals can increase the muscle-building effects of strength training exercises such as weightlifting.
Teenage Athletes
Teenage athletes sometimes use DHEA supplements in an attempt to increase their muscle mass, according to MassGeneral Hospital for Children. Athletes in this age group also sometimes use androstenedione for the same purpose. However, there is no clinical evidence to support the effectiveness of DHEA or androstenedione in these circumstances. In addition, use of DHEA has been banned by both the National Collegiate Athletic Association and the International Olympic Committee.
Considerations
MedlinePlus lists potential side effects of DHEA supplementation that include development of high blood pressure, hair loss and acne. Females may also develop masculine body characteristics. Prolonged use of DHEA increases your chances of experiencing these effects. Use of DHEA supplements also poses specific risks for individuals with depression or other mood disorders, diabetes, liver disease, polycystic ovary syndrome and cancers of the breast, ovaries or uterus. Pregnant or nursing women should also avoid DHEA use. Consult your doctor to learn more about effects and risks associated with DHEA.
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