Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone in your bloodstream that comes from the adrenal glands on top of your kidneys. Humans use DHEA as a building block in the creation of the major female and male sex hormones. Using laboratory processes, scientists can produce synthetic forms of this hormone from a substance found in both soybeans and wild yams. However, you can't increase your DHEA levels by eating these foods directly.
Wild Yam and Soy
Wild yam is a general term used to describe more than 600 related species of tuberous, vine-producing plants. All of these species differ significantly from the sweet potato species informally referred to as yams, and humans can digest only 12 wild yam varieties. Soybeans belong to the legume family, which also includes peas, lentils and beans. Besides a wild green called amaranth, soy provides the only plant-based food source with the same quality of protein as that found in meat, Better Health Channel reports. Unlike meat, soybeans are also cholesterol-free and contain significant amounts of dietary fiber.
Diosgenin Production
The substance used to create synthetic DHEA is called diosgenin. It belongs to a class of compounds called steroid sapogenins, and occurs naturally in both wild yams and soybeans. While scientists can extract this compound from food sources and turn it into DHEA, there is no evidence that your body can convert diosgenin on its own, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine's MedlinePlus. For this reason, you can't increase your DHEA supplies by eating wild yams, soybeans or any other food. If you need more of this hormone than you can produce internally, get if from laboratory sources.
Diosgenin and Estrogen
Scientists can also use diosgenin to make the female hormone estrogen, MedlinePlus notes. Since wild yam contains diosgenin, supplement manufacturers sometimes market it as an alternative form of estrogen therapy, with promoted uses that include relief of vaginal dryness, increase of both male and female sex drive, breast enlargement and relief of premenstrual syndrome, or PMS. While natural diosgenin does produce hormone-like effects, your body can't convert it to estrogen on its own.
Considerations
MedlinePlus advises you to be on the lookout for soy and wild yam products marketed as "natural DHEA." While these products may contain diosgenin, they are no substitute for laboratory-derived DHEA supplements. Therapeutic doses for DHEA supplements range from roughly 50 to 200 mg per day. However, MedlinePlus warns against using more than 100 mg for extended periods of time. Potential side effects of DHEA use include high blood pressure, stomach distress, acne and hair loss. Women may experience additional symptoms that include menstrual cycle changes and an increase facial hair growth and other secondary male sexual characteristics.
Conditions that may make you unsuitable for DHEA use include diabetes, liver problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, pregnancy, lactation and the presence of hormone-sensitive disorders such as breast, ovarian and uterine cancers. Ask your doctor for more information on DHEA, diosgenin, wild yam and soybeans.
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