Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the ovaries adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's hormone balance. DHEA levels decline as women and men age, and the decrease in DHEA production is associated with various age related symptoms. In this blog, we'll discuss DHEA use, how it works, what it does, and its benefits and risks.
What is DHEA?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced by the ovaries and the adrenal glands, and it plays a vital role in the body's hormone balance. DHEA is a precursor hormone that can be converted into other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone, which play essential roles in the body. Otherwise known as a prohormone, DHEA is the most abundant naturally occurring base for hormones in the body. Humans make more and more DHEA from birth to about age 25. People make the most DHEA during their prime reproductive years – optimum health, energy, mental sharpness – between the ages of 18 to 25. This is when humans are naturally most fit to have children, think clearly, and have the physical strength to best care for their offspring (read: to help them deal with the traumatic experience that is raising a toddler…). At around 30, DHEA levels begin to decline for the remainder of life at a rate of about 2% per year. By age 70 to 80 years, DHEA levels can be as low as 20% to 10% compared to younger individuals. Because DHEA is important for many functions in the body, its decline correlates with the steady decline in many functions in the body – those often associated with the aging process and the increase in disease states.
How Does DHEA Help Health After Menopause?
DHEA supplementation may help alleviate some age-related symptoms, including:
What are the Risks of DHEA Use?
DHEA can be used as we advance into our 60's and beyond. While DHEA supplementation may help alleviate some age-related symptoms, it's important to note that it's not without risks. Some potential risks of overuse of DHEA include:
This diagram shows DHEA in the system (either natural or added). The first conversion is to testosterone, the testosterone is then converted to estrogen, and finally, the estrogen is converted into estriol (where it remains). Because all of our bodies are unique, the enzymes that convert DHEA to testosterone (or testosterone to estrogen, and so on) will vary in amounts in each of us. This means if you have a lot of those enzymes, your body may rapidly convert DHEA into testosterone, or into estrogen. If you have less, it may take longer. This will affect your overall hormone balance and which hormone you 'hold on' to more of. It is also why everyone has a unique experience on DHEA.
Should You Use DHEA for Age Related Symptoms?
DHEA supplementation may help alleviate some age-related symptoms. Because some of the DHEA will be converted to other hormones, it it wise to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it's appropriate for you, and to determine if 5mg of topical DHEA is appropriate for you. There are two key things to remember about DHEA supplementation:
In conclusion, DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that plays a crucial role in the body's hormone balance. DHEA levels decline with age, and the decrease in DHEA production is associated with various age-related symptoms. DHEA supplementation may help alleviate some of these symptoms, including hot flashes, mood changes, sexual function, and bone density. However, DHEA use is not without risks and may increase the risk of hormone-related cancers, acne and hair loss, cardiovascular risks, hormone imbalance, and liver toxicity. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine if DHEA supplementation is appropriate for you, and to determine the appropriate dose.
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Disclaimer: The information provided above is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.
Parlor Games, LLC ● kate@parlor-games.com ● 5304 River Rd N Ste B ● Keizer OR 97303
Disclaimer: The information provided above is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Statements made have not been evaluated by the FDA nor are they intended to treat or diagnose. Any health concerns should be discussed and evaluated by your primary health care provider.