Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is produced by the adrenal cortex. It's also an androgen and the major male sex hormone, testosterone, produced by the testes. Testosterone can exert a direct anabolic effect on the synthesis of protein. This can occur in both non-reproductive organs and tissues. That is why synthetic testosterone-like agents such as anabolic steroids or the hormone DHEA, which is converted in the body to testosterone, are sometimes used by athletes, both male and female, to increase muscle mass and strength.
Loss of Testosterone
Sex hormone secretion, testosterone in the male and estrogen in the female, typically begins in earnest between the ages of 8 and 10 and progressively increases and plateaus over the next five to 10 years. A normal pubertal growth spurt, which reflects growth of the long bones and vertebrae, requires this increased production of the sex hormones. As the testosterone levels drop, men begin to show physical and psychological symptoms. They can lose libido, become depressed, or experience muscle and stamina loss.
DHEA
DHEA is touted as a drug that can stop or reverse the aging process and the diseases associated with it, cure depression, strengthen the immune system, and improve athletic performance. Despite the claims, there are no long-term studies of either the benefits or risks of this hormone. DHEA is itself a weak androgen but can be converted in the body to testosterone in both men and women. There is no known correlation between building lean muscle or endurance and the use of the hormone.
Raising DHEA and Testosterone
Men can boost testosterone levels with over-the-counter supplements or prescription drugs. You should always make sure that you actually have a deficiency prior to using either supplements or prescription drugs. It is normal that at some point in life, hormone levels will drop. A licensed physician can monitor the current levels of testosterone in your body and help control the level with supplements or prescription medication.
Risks
DHEA may have many potential side effects, including liver damage, increased risk of prostate cancer and infertility, according to MayoClinic.com. Moreover, in females DHEA may produce masculinization. Other side effects include rage, facial hair and a deepening voice. There is also a risk of prostate enlargement, hair loss and acne Women may experience menstrual irregularities.
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