Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) regulates the body’s production of numerous hormones, including stress and sex hormones. The body produces DHEA from cholesterols in the gonads, inside body fat and skin, in the brain, and in the adrenal glands. DHEA is responsible for 75% of estrogen production in females and half of testosterone production in males.
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DHEA Benefits:
*Supports testosterone production
*Combats aging effects
*Increases strength & performance
*Improves sex drive
DHEA Support Uses
DHEA helps to increase lean muscle mass, stimulate bone growth, and can burn fat. It can also help to maintain a positive emotional balance, assist with weight loss, and treat chronic conditions such as lupus. Bodybuilders often take DHEA supplements to boost testosterone levels and to gain lean muscle mass and strength.
Increasing DHEA & Adrenal Levels
Regular exercise and a reduced caloric intake can stimulate the body’s production of DHEA. Studies have demonstrated that DHEA supplements can suppress lipid and cholesterol levels and may help decrease the risk of developing cardiovascular problems. People who have low DHEA levels often experience age-related health problems which can be corrected with DHEA supplementation. DHEA supplementation can also treat adrenal insufficiency. Improving adrenal levels can then lead to enhanced energy and strength, a better sex drive, and improved hormone levels in people who have compromised adrenal function.
DHEA Anti-Aging Effects & Natural DHEA Decreases
Some studies have suggested that DHEA can also decrease the effects of aging. This is likely because of its connection to the production of the human growth hormone. DHEA is still being researched for other effects such as its ability to treat chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, sexual dysfunction, and skin aging. The body produces the most DHEA between the ages of 7 and 30 years. DHEA levels peak during your twenties and then decline after age 30. This may be because the body produces less of it as you get older, or because the body needs less of it as you age. Stress, alcohol, and caffeine can also diminish DHEA levels.
DHEA Side Effects
There are a few negative side effects associated with DHEA, including emotional changes, insomnia, headaches, acne, and hair growth. It may also lead to stunted growth in teens that are still growing. Women may also experience menstrual irregularities and decreased HDL levels. Pregnant women should not supplement with DHEA, and DHEA should not be combined with estrogen replacements. High doses of DHEA may be dangerous and have been linked to liver damage and impaired natural DHEA production. Discuss DHEA supplements with a medical professional before use. High dosages may also be linked to some types of cancer.