Dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as DHEA, is the main ingredient in DHEA supplements. DHEA is a hormone that occurs naturally in your body and is secreted by the adrenal glands. DHEA is a precursor molecule that can be enzymatically modified to become the major male and female sex hormones. Decreased levels of DHEA are associated with various diseases and disorders.
DHEA
DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that is secreted by the adrenal glands, near the liver and kidneys. Men also secrete DHEA from the testes. The major male and female hormones, androgens and estrogens, are synthesized from DHEA. Wild yam and soy contain a molecule that can be synthetically modified in the laboratory to become DHEA for supplemental purposes. However, wild yam and soy themselves do not serve as natural sources of DHEA.
DHEA Uses
DHEA supplements have been studied and found to possibly be beneficial to treating the symptoms of many different disorders and diseases, including adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, systemic lupus erythematosus, schizophrenia, osteoporosis, erectile dysfunction, and improving the appearance of older people's skin.
DHEA Levels
Levels of DHEA naturally begin to decline with age, starting at about age 30. Some chronic diseases are associated with lower than normal levels of DHEA including kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, AIDS and clinical depression.
DHEA Supplements
DHEA supplements are used by people to treat a variety of disorders. Menopausal women may use DHEA to decrease symptoms. DHEA is also used for weight loss, to slow or reverse aging, to increase energy and muscle mass, for boosting the immune system and for treating chronic fatigue. However, long-term studies on the effects of DHEA supplementation have not been conducted and because DHEA may increase the levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, it may also increase the risk of developing hormonally sensitive cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer. Always consult with your physician or health professional before beginning a new vitamin or supplement.
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