Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is the most abundant hormone in the blood of younger men. First discovered in 1934, DHEA is a steroid hormone produced in lesser amounts by women and more mature men. One important aspect of DHEA is it is a hormone that you cannot increase through a diet of any alternative natural sources. Research on the actual benefits of DHEA remains in its infancy. Always keep the relative mystery of DHEA in mind and consult with your physician before opting for supplements.
Body's Natural Source
The only natural source of DHEA is the adrenal glands, situated just above the kidneys. The pituitary hormone ACTH, or adrenocorticotropic hormone, activates and manages the adrenal glands' production of this hormone. An additional agent known as AMP, or adenosine monophosphate, administers the actual effects of ACTH. The secretion of DHEA increases when the AMP level rises. DHEA production triggers when there is a matching level of AMP.
Types of Supplements
Supplemental DHEA is available in several forms, according to MayoClinic.com. These forms include tablets, capsules and injections. The recommended dosage of supplemental DHEA in any form is subject to change according to the manufacturer of the product, so it is always important to check dosage information whenever you change brands.
"Natural DHEA" Supplements
Manufacturers can produce DHEA supplements using chemicals found in yams and soy. The National Institutes of Health warns, however, that the adrenal gland process to create more natural DHEA in the body cannot utilize these chemicals. You might find these supplements touted by manufacturers as "natural DHEA" when they are actually no more effective than supplements created in labs without the use of yams or soy.
Effectiveness of Supplements
Supplement forms of DHEA, like any other supplemental hormone, might not produce the same effect that an equal supply of naturally produced DHEA will provide, according to "Minerals, Supplements and Vitamins." An attempt to gain a stronger reaction by increasing the dosage of DHEA supplements could potentially create a greater amount of DHEA in the blood system than is healthy.
DHEA Therapy Goals
The goal of DHEA therapy for men is to reach the optimal level of DHEA that approximates the concentration of the hormone found in the body of a 20-year-old male, according to "Men's Health and the Hormone Revolution." Since DHEA production falls off with age, the need for supplemental sources of DHEA to attain this level will be more likely for a 55-year-old man than for a 25-year-old. What is important to take from this fact is that you should have your natural DHEA level checked for total accuracy rather than relying merely on your age to determine appropriate supplemental dosing levels.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Supplements
- National Institutes of Health: DHEA
- "Minerals, Supplements and Vitamins: The Essential Guide;" H. Winter Griffith, 2000
- "Men's Health and the Hormone Revolution;" Dr. Siegfried Meryn, Dr. Markus Metka and Georg Kindel; 2000
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