Dehydroepiandrosterone, known as DHEA, is a hormone secreted by the body's adrenal glands, which are located on top of your kidneys. Your body converts DHEA into the male and female sex hormones: testosterone and estrogen. Men make DHEA slightly more than women. DHEA levels peak during a person's 20s and gradually decline thereafter, dropping to about 10 to 20 percent of peak levels by age 70 years. DHEA supplements are taken to compensate the DHEA that has been lost to aging. It is important to note that an overdose of DHEA may cause serious problems, because it is a steroid.
Cancer
Research indicates that DHEA may increase your risk of various cancers, when excessive doses are taken. DHEA is a hormone that can affect how estrogen works in your body. You must not take DHEA when you have any conditions that could be made worse by exposure to estrogen. Some epidemiological studies have shown that women with higher-than-average levels of DHEA are at increased risk of estrogen-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer and ovarian cancer, according to Oregon State University.
Signs of Masculinization
Supplementing withe DHEA can increase the production of the male sex hormone testosterone, which can lead to androgenic or male-like side effects in women. Women may grow excess facial hair, experience deepening of the voice, have acne breakouts and gain weight around the waist.
Liver Disorders
Emerging scientific evidence suggests that high doses of DHEA may be toxic to liver cells. Long-term effects of DHEA can increase hepatic size and can change hepatic texture and hepatic chemistry. Therefore, people with preexisting liver disease must avoid DHEA.
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