DHEA, also known by the medical term 5-Dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is involved in producing the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen. As we age, DHEA levels naturally decline. Research indicates that DHEA has several benefits, but also can pose a few risks.
Increases Fertility
DHEA might have positive effects on fertility, according to a study conducted by lead author Adrian Shulman and researchers from Tel Aviv University in Israel. Scientists investigated the effects of DHEA supplementation on women being treated for infertility. Subjects randomly received 75 mg of DHEA or a placebo daily for five months. At the end of the study, which was published in the July 2010 issue of "AYALA," scientists observed that the subjects consuming DHEA were more likely to conceive and experience a healthier pregnancy and delivery than the placebo group. Although these results are promising, further research needs to be conducted, according to researchers.
Decreases Body Fat
Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri, studied the impact of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin response in elderly women. For six months, participants were randomly assigned 50 mg of DHEA or a placebo. Both groups had their body fat levels and insulin responses measured before and after treatment. Researchers found that subjects taking DHEA experienced significant decreases in visceral fat, or abdominal fat, and lower levels of insulin than the subjects taking a placebo, the November 2004 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association" reports.
Side Effects
Although DHEA has several benefits, it also can have serious side effects. Since DHEA is involved in increased sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, those with hormone-related cancer such as breast cancer or testicular cancer should not take DHEA. Furthermore, DHEA might increase testosterone levels in healthy women, thereby increasing the development of male characteristics such as hair growth on the face and deepening of the voice. Healthy men taking DHEA might boost testosterone too high, which can cause aggression, high blood pressure and shrinkage of testicles, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your health care provider before taking DHEA.
Interactions
DHEA can interact with certain medications, including barbiturates, corticosteroids and oral medications for diabetes and insulin. Furthermore, DHEA supplementation might interact with drugs intended to decrease or increase DHEA in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you are taking any medications, consult your health care provider before taking DHEA.
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