What is DHEA?

You've probably heard about DHEA in recent media coverage and have many questions. Studies show that some benefits of DHEA may be:

	Anti-Aging
	Enhanced mood, energy, and memory
	Improved immune system
	Boosted sex drive (especially in women)
	Reduced Osteoporosis
	Improved fat loss
	More muscle mass
	Reduced Autoimmune disorders
	Less Heart Disease

Other Names: Dehydroepiandrosterone, GL701, Prasterone

DHEA is one of the natural steroid hormones produced in small amounts by the human adrenal glands. Because natural DHEA production decreases as individuals get older, some researchers believe that restoring DHEA to higher levels may delay some of the effects of aging. Especially in the last few years, DHEA has also been touted to increase the function of the immune system and to restore mental ability. Therefore, it has been studied for the treatment of numerous conditions that include AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and Parkinson's disease. Low blood levels of DHEA have also been found in chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. High levels of blood sugar and conditions such as fibromyalgia also may decrease DHEA. While clinical research continues for several of these conditions, no definitive results prove that DHEA supplementation is effective for any of them.

DHEA has also been associated with other effects on health. For example, supplemental DHEA and its breakdown product DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) may have produced improvements in osteoporosis for elderly individuals as well as for younger individuals who have osteoporosis that results from conditions such as anorexia nervosa or from drugs such as corticosteroids.

In human research studies, low levels of DHEA have been measured in individuals with schizophrenia. Unbalanced amounts of DHEA as compared to other natural steroids may be linked with some types of depression. In one small study of humans, DHEA supplementation was related to a decreased incidence of cataracts. Another study found that it may help to reduce the symptoms of menopause. DHEA may also have an anti-obesity effect.

Additionally, although no convincing evidence proves that DHEA supplementation alone helps to increase muscle size and activity, a few small studies have shown that it may enhance the muscle-building effects of exercise. Therefore, DHEA is banned from use by Olympic athletes.

Much more research is needed to prove or disprove all of the potential effects of DHEA supplementation.

To learn more about who should take DHEA, side effects and interactions, please click here to read the entire article.
 

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