DHEA is a legal steroid, sold as a supplement over-the-counter in the United States. It is often advertised for such uses as improving energy levels, increasing athletic performance and boosting the immune system. However, since DHEA is, after all, a steroid and not a vitamin, it is crucial to understand the nature of this supplement -- as well as talk to your doctor -- before starting with DHEA.
Hormonal Precursor
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormonal precursor that is naturally produced in the body by the adrenal gland, according to the National Institutes of Health. It is the hormonal precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, and can produce effects related to both hormones when you take it as a supplement. How your body uses DHEA in supplement form depends on your unique personal physiological makeup, which may aromatize -- or chemically alter -- DHEA into more of the male or female hormone, elevating the levels of each in your body accordingly.
Uses of DHEA
As of April, 2011, DHEA does not have approval by the Food and Drug Administration for any medical uses, so it can only be sold as a dietary supplement with manufacturer's disclaimers regarding its own statements about its potential effects. However, the Mayo Clinic reports that some scientific evidence supports the use of DHEA to treat conditions such as systemic lupus and adrenal deficiency, as well as elevating mood for people with depression. DHEA is also a potential anti-obesity supplement, since its anabolic-androgenic, or male hormonal properties can increase lean muscle mass, leading to fat loss in some individuals. Additionally, according to the NIH, DHEA has shown some promise in improving mental performance in people with Alzheimer's disease. However, it is crucial to remember that more scientific research is still needed to support the potential beneficial effects of DHEA.
Side Effects
If you are planning on taking DHEA as a supplement, you must be aware of the supplement's many potentially serious side effects. Use of DHEA -- especially when the supplement is not approved by your doctor -- may produce side effects such as acne, male-pattern baldness, testicular wasting in men and disruption of the menstrual cycle in women. DHEA's hormone-related side effects also have the dangerous potential to elevate blood pressure, bring about feelings of aggression or impulsiveness, and cause gynecomastia, or the development of breasts in men.
DHEA Dosage and Safety
To reduce DHEA's potential for unwanted side effects, it is vital to follow the recommended supplement dosages as indicated by the manufacturer's label. Typical daily DHEA doses range from 50 mg to 100 mg per day, although the Mayo Clinic reports that some people go as high as 200 mg daily -- an amount the NIH does not recommend. Talking to your physician before you take DHEA is the safest option if you're considering using it as a dietary supplement. DHEA is not recommended for pregnant or nursing mothers, nor for use in children.
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