October
2007
DHEA ( Dehydroepiandrosterone )
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that sit on top of each kidney. Synthesized from cholesterol it is considered to be a close chemical relation of testosterone and estrogen that is produced by the body starting in pre- pubescence and usually peaking during our twenties. During this peak DHEA is the most prominent hormone circulating in our bodies but then it slowly begins to decline to around 10% in a 70 year old male. For the most part men have a tendency to carry a higher DHEA level than women. .
Hormones are much like chemical messengers that can trigger or stop various activities in other tissues or organs. DHEA can be easily converted into testosterone or estrogen and was first thought to be a left over byproduct during the production of other hormones. .
Originally, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was not sure whether to allow DHEA on the market because not enough was known about the product. DHEA was marketed as a weight loss supplement available only by prescription then taken off the market. During the mid 90?s DHEA was reclassified as a dietary supplement thus being available for sale over the counter. The FDA?s concern centered around the possible side effects and unknown interactions within the body. .
Studies indicate that DHEA has a number of possibly beneficial interactions including the prevention or delay of cancer, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, and a decrease in the possibility of heart disease of 15% of that particular study group. Increases in lean body mass and immune system markers were also noted. Of these studies the age group of 50 to 65 year olds appeared to have a more immediate benefit with a drop in fat body mass and an increase in chemical markers indicating an immune system boost. Also a relaxed feeling of well being was noted that coincides with another study that successfully treated depression with DHEA. In these studies DHEA of the 50 to 65 year olds there was not a claim of increased libido as some advertisements claim, these claims attempt to connect the increase of testosterone with sex drive and may well show improvement in younger adults. Other benefits noted besides the loss of body fat was an increase in skin quality, a decrease in allergy reactions, reducing blood pressure, and slightly better regulation of blood sugars. Overall, DHEA should not be considered a fountain of youth discovery but has some indications of slowing the aging process. .
Currently, trials are in progress testing DHEA in its ability to boost the immune system and how it maintains the mental function in the 50 to 65 year old age group since an increase in mental clarity has been claimed. Of course with every thing good there are always certain risks. Because DHEA can be converted into testosterone it can cause an increase in facial and body hair in women and can trigger a stop in menstruation. It has been shown to decrease the good cholesterol HDL in women also. Pregnant or lactating women should not use DHEA. In men, an increased level in DHEA stimulated testosterone may trigger the growth of a small prostrate tumor that would normally remain dormant and may also cause an enlarged prostrate making urination difficult. Consulting a doctor or qualified medical professional is recommended especially if under the age of 40. .
With the increase in testosterone bodybuilders and athletes can show huge gains in muscle mass but this is where the FDA has some issues with DHEA. The potential for short and long term misuse, the nearly instantaneous advantage of muscle gains can be overwhelming and can easily result in disregarding common sense, could lead to unknown and disastrous problems later on. If DHEA is planned to be used by a bodybuilder or athlete, especially if under the age of 40, then supervision by a doctor or qualified health professional is highly recommended since higher levels of testosterone are already present, especially in those in their twenties. .
As a diet supplement DHEA has proven effective since it is a thermogenic substance causing a person to burn fat for energy rather than hold it in storage. DHEA also blocks an enzyme which is needed to produce fat tissue and stimulates another hormone function which sends signals indicating you are full and it is time to stop eating. Because of the testosterone increase and the undesirable effects on women DHEA is considered more male friendly than female. A simple and easy saliva test is available to monitor and regulate DHEA levels.