In its natural form, DHEA fills a vital role in the production of sex hormones, but levels drop significantly as you age.The supplement DHEA is widely promoted for use against a wide range of conditions, including aging, mental disorders and sexual problems. The evidence remains scant for many of these purposes, however, and the safety of taking DHEA in large doses remains unknown.
Forms of DHEA
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is created by the adrenal gland and serves as a precursor to androgens in men and estrogens in women, which are the two major sex hormones. Once past the age of 30, DHEA production decreases, leading to lower levels of these sex hormones. The complete impact of this change in DHEA levels remains under investigation, and the full activity of the chemical remains unknown. Supplemental DHEA can be created using wild yam or soy, but eating these foods does not provide the same effects as synthetic DHEA. Supplemental DHEA is available over-the-counter without a prescription.
Uses
Supplemental DHEA is taken for a variety of conditions, but the evidence for its usefulness remains controversial. Some people take DHEA in an attempt to counteract the natural decrease caused by aging with the idea that this might help prevent or slow the development of age-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. DHEA has shown promise for treating certain sexual disorders, including erectile dysfunction. It may also help treat schizophrenia, osteoporosis and lupus. Some athletes take DHEA to try and build up muscle and improve strength.
Safety
DHEA seems to be safe when used for short periods of time in small doses, but larger doses for long periods of time can cause problems. Doses should be limited to 50 to 100 mg per day for a few months or less. Side effects include menstrual changes and facial hair growth in women, acne, nausea, hair loss and high blood pressure. Pregnant women, people with estrogen-dependent conditions such as breast cancer or endometriosis, individuals with liver disease and women with polycystic kidney disease should avoid taking DHEA. People with cholesterol problems, diabetes and depression might be impacted by DHEA use, including having to change their current medications to avoid interactions.
Considerations
The use of DHEA by athletes is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. Because of the lack of safety and efficacy data, you should consult a doctor before trying DHEA for any reason. A doctor can test your DHEA levels and determine whether supplementation is warranted.
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