Men can produce 10 to 15 mg of DHEA per day. DHEA is the most common hormone produced by the adrenal gland, and people use DHEA for mental function, muscle strength and increased sex drive. Supplementing with more than 5 mg of DHEA a day can lead to severe hormonal imbalances and possible liver damage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Always talk to your doctor before taking a hormonal supplement. If you need DHEA your doctor can provide you with a high-quality supplement.
Uses
DHEA can improve the condition of people with lupus, HIV, adrenal insufficiency, osteoporosis and erectile dysfunction. However, not much research shows the long-term effects of DHEA supplements, and people under the age of 40 could be at higher risk of side effects, unless blood tests have confirmed lower-than-normal DHEA levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Men older than 40 can benefit from a moderate dose of 5 mg per day --- though no more --- by regaining lost sex drive and mental function.
Mexican Wild Yam Extract
Men who can benefit from DHEA should ask a doctor for a true DHEA supplement, rather than a diosgenin capsule. Read the label of a DHEA supplement to ensure the only ingredient is DHEA and not the plant sterol diosgenin, which comes from Mexican wild yams. No research exists supporting the claim that diosgenin converts to DHEA in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Cheap DHEA supplements could be contaminated and toxic to the liver, so look for high-quality supplements or purchase them only through your doctor.
Overdose
Increasing androgenic hormones in the body over a long period of time can lead to certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer and prostate cancer, according to Dr. Ray Sahelian's website. DHEA produces androgenic hormones in the body naturally, and DHEA supplements increase this production. High doses of DHEA can have the same consequences as too much testosterone, such as acne, hair loss, breast swelling and high blood pressure. Too much DHEA can cause hormone-related health problems such as insulin resistance and unhealthy cholesterol levels.
Anti Aging
DHEA can be effective in restoring a hormone balance that has declined with age, but anyone with normal DHEA levels might only disrupt their hormone balance. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a French study found that DHEA improved bone and skin health as well as the libido in women older than 70. Alzheimer's patients take DHEA for its possible memory-restoring ability. DHEA is the precursor to many hormones that decline with age, and restoring these lost hormones can have anti-aging effects.
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