Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands that helps synthesize testosterone and estrogen in the body. After the age of 30, DHEA levels naturally start to decline. Research indicates that DHEA supplementation might provide a few benefits, but it also poses some drawbacks. Consult your health care provider before consuming supplements.
Fat Loss
In research reported in the November 2004 issue of the "Journal of the American Medical Association," researchers from the Washington University School of Medicine explored the impact of DHEA supplementation on fat loss in elderly women and men from 65 to 78 years old. They discovered that participants consuming 50 mg DHEA for six months experienced decreases in body fat, especially from the abdominal region, compared to those consuming a placebo.
Fertility
DHEA might have beneficial effects on fertility, according to a study that had its findings reported in 2010 by scientists from the Tel Aviv University in Israel. Women underwent fertility treatments with or without 75 mg of DHEA supplementation for five months. Researchers discovered that the DHEA group was more likely to conceive and experience a healthy delivery compared to those without DHEA, according to the Science Daily website.
No Benefits
In findings published in the October 2006 issue of "The New England Journal of Medicine," researchers from the Mayo Clinic examined the impact of DHEA supplementation on elderly women and men. For two years, men received 75 mg and women 50 mg of DHEA or a placebo. At the end of the study, researchers found that DHEA supplementation had no significant effect on body composition, insulin sensitivity, physical performance or quality of life.
Side Effects
DHEA supplementation may cause side effects including fatigue, headaches, irregular heartbeat, insomnia and acne. In addition, high DHEA levels have been associated with Cushing's syndrome, according to MayoClinic.com. Therefore, consult your health care provider before consuming DHEA supplements.
References
- "Journal of the American Medical Association"; Effect of DHEA on Abdominal Fat and Insulin Action in Elderly Women and Men: a Randomized Controlled Trial; D.T. Villareal, et al.; November 2004
- Science Daily: Increasing Fertility Threefold With DHEA; July 1, 2010
- "The New England Journal of Medicine"; DHEA in Elderly Women and DHEA or Testosterone in Elderly Men; K. Nair, et al.; Oct. 19, 2006
- MayoClinic.com: DHEA Safety
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