DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. DHEA is a hormone that our body naturally produces, and it can be produced artificially from wild yam and soy chemicals. DHEA will not increase with the intake of these foods, as your body does not have the ability to convert them into the hormone. Regardless, some products are marketed as "natural DHEA." DHEA levels peak in our 20s and fall as we get older. It is suspected that low levels of natural DHEA can lead to reduced bone density, decreased muscle mass, and impaired thinking. People may take supplements if they believe they have low DHEA levels, yet more research is needed to determine their effectiveness.
Adrenal Insufficiency
DHEA may have a positive effect on quality of life, well being, exercise capacity, sex drive, and hormone levels in people with insufficient adrenal function. More research is needed, however, to make a strong case for prescribing DHEA for this type of use.
Weight Loss
In a 2004 study published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association," researchers found that DHEA replacement could potentially prevent or treat metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal fat. The Mayo Clinic states that further research is needed in order to confirm these results.
Other Possible Uses
Medline Plus states that athletes may use DHEA in order to increase energy output, strength, and muscle mass; however, this substance has been banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, or NCAA, for use in its members.
DHEA may be used by men for erectile dysfunction and by healthy women to improve sexual response. In addition, there is insufficient evidence to rate the effectiveness of DHEA for treatment of depression, and this needs to be studied further before it is prescribed as therapy for patients.
Side Effects of DHEA
The Mayo Clinic states that taking a DHEA supplement has risks such as reduced HDL or "good" cholesterol, increased facial hair in women, and acne. The long-term effects of taking a DHEA supplement are not known. Taking a DHEA supplement may raise your testosterone levels and therefore increase the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer, or other hormone-sensitive cancers.
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