The Benefits of Using DHEA Supplements
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands that sit at the top of your kidneys. Your body uses DHEA to produce estrogen and testosterone, female and male hormones, respectively. As the production of these hormones decreases as per age, DHEA supplements can come into play and help.
Known for helping to improve muscle growth, strength, and overall performance, DHEA is a very popular supplement among athletes and bodybuilders.
But are DHEA supplements really worth the hype? What are the benefits that it offers? Let’s take a look at what some studies say about this endogenous steroid hormone.
Studies show that as you age, the level of DHEA in your body declines significantly. When you are in your 20s, DHEA levels are at their highest. Then, the levels start dropping by around 10% every decade. So, by the time you reach your 70s and 80s, the level of DHEA that remains is next to nothing.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not meant to treat or diagnose any condition. The information found within this article is not medical advice and should not supersede a doctor’s diagnosis and treatment plan should you have a health condition. The use of DHEA supplements should never be a replacement for any medication that your doctor puts you on.
Table of contents
What is DHEA?
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. It serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
DHEA levels typically peak in your mid-20s and then decline with age. It’s sometimes used as a supplement for various purposes, including to potentially boost energy, improve mood, and enhance muscle strength, though its effectiveness and safety for these purposes are still debated and regulated in some countries.
Who Should Use DHEA Supplements?
DHEA supplements are typically marketed to older adults who experience a decline in natural DHEA production with age. Some people also use it for conditions like adrenal insufficiency or to potentially improve mood and energy levels.
However, it’s important to note that DHEA supplementation isn’t suitable for everyone, and its use should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially since it can affect hormone levels and may have interactions with medications or underlying health conditions. Pregnant or nursing women, individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers, and those with certain medical conditions should avoid DHEA unless specifically recommended and monitored by a healthcare professional.
What is the Recommended Dosage for DHEA Supplements?
The recommended dosage for DHEA supplements can vary depending on individual factors such as age, sex, health status, and the reason for taking it. Here are some general guidelines:
- For Age-Related Decline: Typically, doses range from 25 mg to 50 mg per day for older adults to restore DHEA levels to those of younger adults.
- For Adrenal Insufficiency: Higher doses, often prescribed by a healthcare provider, may be needed to address specific medical conditions like adrenal insufficiency. These doses can range significantly but should always be managed under medical supervision.
- Start Low and Adjust: It’s common to start with a lower dose (e.g., 25 mg) and gradually increase if necessary, based on individual response and any side effects.
- Consult a Healthcare Provider: Since DHEA can affect hormone levels and may interact with medications, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation. They can provide personalized advice based on your health status and needs.
Always follow the dosage recommendations on the product label or those provided by your healthcare provider. Adjustments to dosage should only be made under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The Benefits of DHEA Supplements
Those who choose to utilize DHEA supplements may experience some of the benefits found below.
1. Boost Testosterone
One of the critical factors in building quality lean muscle mass is testosterone. This potent hormone not only aids in increasing muscle growth but also being able to prevent muscle wasting.
Where DHEA supplements come into play is that if your DHEA levels are low as well as your testosterone levels, using DHEA supplements can help increase natural testosterone levels.
2. Decrease Body Fat
As you know, the more lean muscle mass you have, the more energy your body will demand and use on a daily basis, which means a higher metabolic rate. So, while boosting testosterone like what was mentioned in #1, DHEA supplements have another physique-enhancing benefit — helping decrease body fat (as a standalone and not in conjunction with your lean body mass).
There is a specific form of DHEA supplements out on the market called 7-Keto DHEA. This particular form of DHEA supplements has been shown to help increase metabolic rate in overweight men and women. Furthermore, one study found that those who used 7-Keto DHEA compared to a placebo lost three times more weight and body fat.
3. Bone Health
DHEA helps improve bone density and reduces the risk of osteoporosis by promoting bone development. As you age, you risk losing bone mineral density. This can cause bone fractures and breaks if bone mineral density continues to decline.
As per studies, using DHEA supplements for 1-2 years helps increase the bone density in women, but surprisingly, not in men. That said, women tend to be more likely to suffer from osteoporosis than men, which puts them at a higher risk.
4. Improve Depression
DHEA may help with improving the symptoms of depression. The relationship between depression and DHEA is not exactly clear. But there is evidence that shows depression is linked with low levels of DHEA.
A 2014 review mentioned that DHEA supplements could help treat mild depression or depression that is resistant to conventional therapy. However, more research is needed to draw any specific conclusions.
5. Reproductive Health
DHEA is known to increase the production of estrogen and testosterone, which in turn play an important role in improving reproductive health as we age.
Utilizing DHEA supplements can help those who are suffering from adrenal insufficiency. As per research, DHEA supplements can improve sexual health and improve mood.
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