1. What is It?
Dehydroepiandrosterone, an adrenal gland secretion, is a hormone produced by the body, and it is closely related to androgen and estrogen. It is variously known as DHEA, DHA, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, C19 steroid, prasterone and "the mother steroid." Look for it in combination in products produced by such companies and under such trade names as Twin Laboratories, Inc., Nature's Bounty, PatentLEAN, Born Again and Puritan's Pride. This substance has been synthesized in laboratory settings using an extract of wild yam. This has led to claims by some companies that wild yam is some kind of naturally-occurring DHEA, but it appears that the body cannot automatically convert wild yam into DHEA.
2. What Do You Want Out of It?
DHEA has been advertised for and used in a large variety of situations and for a wide range of conditions. Produced naturally by the body, levels of DHEA decrease from the age of 30 onward and low levels of the substance have been related to kidney disease, type-2 diabetes, AIDS, anorexia and others. Certain drugs (including corticosteroids and insulin) have been known to cause depletion of DHEA in the system. While the drug has been used to treat obesity, depression, Alzheimer's disease, bone density problems, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, infertility, induction of labor, skin aging and memory, the jury is still out, as more studies and clinical trials need before the medical world will be able to come to solid agreement on its benefits and disadvantages.
3. Does it Work?
At this relatively early stage, the studies on DHEA suggest that one should be cautious if using the compound for your personal benefit. Studies in more comprehensive environments and with a greater range of participants are still needed. While DHEA appears to be effective at dealing with the various ailments and conditions outlined above, it is unknown if this effectiveness can hold true over time.
4. Its Function in Your Body
Perhaps because it is related to hormonal compounds in your body, DHEA seems to increase sex drive and helps your body feel more like it did in your young adult days. Again, more studies need to be conducted to verify such results, but treatments with DHEA have been shown to promote feelings of general well-being and elevate quality of life. As with any drug treatment, it's always best to consider such a regimen only under the care of a qualified medical professional.
5. Possible Side Effects
DHEA is a hormonal treatment in your body. Men may experience increased aggressiveness and elevated blood pressure, as well as certain aspects of femaleness, such as increased breast size and tenderness of the breasts. Females may see increased masculinity, including the development of facial hair and a lower voice.
Member Comments