Your adrenal glands, which are located next to your kidneys, naturally produce a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. Your body needs DHEA to make the sex hormones, androgens and estrogens. The levels of DHEA in your body are highest at the age of 25 and then begin to decrease as you age. Some medical conditions may also decrease the amount of DHEA in the body. DHEA supplements are synthetic.
Uses
Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough adrenal hormones, including DHEA. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, women with adrenal insufficiency who took DHEA supplements reported improved sense of well-being and increased sexual desire. DHEA may also help improve mood in those with depression, although more research on the long-term effects is needed.
DHEA supplementation may also improve the quality of life in people with systemic lupus erythematosus, which is a condition in which the immune system attacks your own body. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that DHEA supplementation may reduce symptoms and increase mental clarity, although more research is needed.
How It's Made
The majority of DHEA supplements are made from diosgenin, which is a plant sterol that comes from a variety of Mexican wild yams called Dioscorea villosa. The plant sterol is converted into DHEA in a lab and then placed into tablets, capsules, drops, creams or chewing gum. When looking for a DHEA supplement, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that you should look for DHEA as an ingredient, rather than diosgenin or wild yam extract.
Dosage
Specific dosage recommendations depend on your condition and individual circumstance. Commonly used dosages for adults over the age of 18 range from 25 to 200 mg per day. Because your body naturally produces the most DHEA in the morning, taking DHEA supplements in the morning may closely resemble your natural production.
Considerations
The FDA does not regulate the manufacture of DHEA supplements. Always talk to your doctor before beginning any supplementation, especially hormone supplementation. Because the body uses DHEA to create sex hormones, it may create high levels of androgens and estrogens in the body. Because of this, MayoClinic.com notes that theoretically DHEA supplementation may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you take DHEA supplements, get regular physicals and cancer screenings.
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