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DHEA

Do the Benefits of DHEA Outweigh the Risks?

DHEA is another controversial antiaging hormone. However, unlike the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) there have been more studies done, but with often conflicting results.

DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that is a precursor to the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen.

There seems to be little dispute that DHEA levels steadily decline as we age, so that by the age of 70 a person is only producing about 20% of what he did in his teens or 20’s.

Proponents of supplemental DHEA claim that taking the hormone will improve your memory; increase libido; improve muscle tone and stamina; reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue; rejuvenate cells leading to firmer, less wrinkled skin; add sheen and strength to damaged hair and nails; and help with weight control.

A German study done in the late 90’s showed that women who took DHEA for four months were less likely to be depressed, anxious or hostile and more likely to have sexual thoughts and enjoy sex.

These results seemed to confirm other studies that DHEA can effect moods and perhaps reduce depression. It might also aid in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome.

However two studies in 2003 gave contradictory results as far as the effect of the hormone on heart disease and doctors are very worried that the hormone might, in fact, worsen heart conditions.

More recent studies have shown that DHEA can cause significant reductions in abdominal fat, which is associated with diabetes and blood plaque build up in the arteries.

DHEA is also proven to help some lupus suffers.

As with all hormone therapies, the experts warn that the long term risks are unknown.

The hormone might cause or increase the incidence of prostate cancer or other tumors.

The hormone is available as a supplement and not patentable, so no research is likely to be done by the pharmaceutical industry.

As a matter of fact, DHEA was briefly banned in the US, but is now legal, to the chagrin of many doctors, who are concerned that long term effects will not be known until it is much too late.

[DHEA is considered a banned steroid by prominent sports organizations such as the NFL and the US and International Olympics Committees.]

Other physicians feel that a dosage up to 50 mg a day would probably not be harmful.

DHEA is probably not needed before the age of 40. A blood test can be used to establish if you are suffering from a deficiency.

DHEA sulfate blood-level standards are as follows:

In women:
From puberty to menopause: 0.9 to 8 micromoles per liter of blood:
From menopause to age 60-75 : 0.4 to 4 micromoles:
Beyond age 75 : 0.1 to 2 micromoles.

In men:
From puberty to age 45-50 : 4 to 10 micromoles per liter of blood:
After 50: accelerated decrease.

There is nothing to prevent anyone from buying and taking DHEA. There are many short term benefits and long term hazards, if any, have not yet been proven.

If you feel you might benefit from DHEA, consult a qualified physician first. Also be careful that you are getting true DHEA sulfate, usually made from wild yams, with little or no excess fillers or contaminants.

One brand to consider is Source Naturals DHEA, a "pharmaceutical" grade of DHEA.

This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to render medical advice.

 

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