When struggling to lower rising cholesterol levels, many people explore taking natural vitamins, herbs and other supplements to help get healthy. You may even consider using the hormone called DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, as it's been linked to improved heart health and lower cholesterol risk. Before you take any supplement, always speak with your doctor first to discuss any possible risks to your health.
About DHEA
DHEA is a hormone that the body creates, and it's related to sex hormones. It's used to treat a number of different health conditions, says MayoClinic.com, including depression, adrenal gland problems and the autoimmune disease lupus. It's also sometimes used to help induce labor in pregnant women.
How DHEA Works
The adrenal gland produces DHEA so that it can use it to create the sex hormones androgens and estrogens, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. DHEA levels naturally drop as people get older, so it's thought that the hormones have some effect against aging. But, it's not understood how DHEA works to help protect the body against certain health conditions, including cholesterol, or even if it's truly effective, says UMMC.
Can DHEA Control Cholesterol?
The U.S. National Library of Medicine, or NLM, says that DHA is also sometimes used to help reduce the risk of developing heart disease -- but there really isn't enough evidence to support its use. DHEA may also help lower cholesterol and improve heart health in people with hardening of the arteries, says MayoClinic.com. But, MayoClinic.com adds, there are more effective strategies available to help treat cholesterol that should be considered with your cardiologist.
Risks of DHEA
DHEA does pose some health risks, particularly when taken over a long period of time or in high doses, says the NLM. DHEA may cause some problems with pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, women with polycystic ovary syndrome, people with diabetes or liver problems and perhaps those who suffer from depression. And DHEA may also cause cholesterol problems -- it could make your "good" cholesterol levels, or your HDL, drop.
Lowering Cholesterol
A combination strategy can help you to tackle high cholesterol. Your doctor may recommend that you take medications to bring cholesterol levels down, says the Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In addition, avoiding foods that contain cholesterol, such as many meats, fried foods and dairy products, can help to lower high cholesterol. Adding exercise to your daily routine and increasing your intake of vegetables, fruits and whole grains are also more proven methods of safely lowering cholesterol.
