Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone naturally produced by the body. DHEA is important for the production of both the male and female sex hormones. As we age, DHEA naturally declines. This decline in DHEA correlates with age-related increases in cardiovascular risk. Some scientists believe that DHEA supplementation may counteract the age related declines in DHEA and reduce an individual's risk for a variety of chronic conditions.
Adrenal Insufficiency
According to the Mayo Clinic, the use of DHEA in patients with Adrenal Insufficiency has good scientific support. Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the body stops producing a variety of hormones including cortisol, the stress hormon; and aldosterone, a hormone which regulates blood pressure and fluid balance. Studies have shown that DHEA supplementation can increase hormone levels, quality of life, exercise capacity, and sex drive in individuals with adrenal insufficiency.
Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular disease risk increases with age and chronic conditions such as hypertension and diabetes which are known to accelerate vascular aging. DHEA is theorized to decrease age-related increases in cardiovascular disease risk. As of March 2011, the scientific evidence has produced mixed results. Endothelial dysfunction refers to age-related functional changes to the endothelial, the inner layer of blood vessels. This process is related to cardiovascular disease. According to a study in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," 25 milligrams per day of DHEA supplementation improved endothelial function. Other studies, however, were unable to reproduce these findings. More studies are needed elucidate the benefits of DHEA for cardiovascular disease.
Obesity
According to the Mayo Clinic, there is also good scientific evidence in support of DHEA supplements for weight loss in obese individuals. A study in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" showed that six months of taking 50 milligrams per day of DHEA lead to weight loss. This study also showed that DHEA improved insulin levels which is important for diabetes prevention.
Cognitive Function
The benefits of DHEA supplements on cognitive function is another area where more research is needed. Cognitive function is known to decline in older adults. With the growing prevalence of older adults in the developed world, deteriorating cognitive function is a serious concern. The studies on DHEA on cognitive function have been mixed. A study in the "Geriatrics & Gerontology International" showed that DHEA improved cognitive function in women with cognitive impairments. These results have been reproduced in adults with normal cognitive function as noted in a paper in the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews."
References
- Mayo Clinic: DHEA
- Mayo Clinic: DHEA: Evidene
- Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism: Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation Improves Endothelial Function and Insulin Sensitivity in Men
- Journal of the American Medical Association: Effect of DHEA on Abdominal Fat and Insulin Action in Elderly Women and Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
- Geriatrics & Gerontology International: Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation on Cognitive Function and Activities of Daily Living in Older Women With Mild to Moderate Cognitive Impairment.
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: WITHDRAWN: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Supplementation for Cognitive Function.
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