DHEA - Human Antiaging Center

What is DHEA?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone that is produced naturally by the adrenal glands and serves several vital functions in the body. Some key facts about DHEA:

• DHEA is considered a "precursor" hormone - meaning it is converted into other important hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It plays a crucial role in maintaining hormonal balance.
• It is the most abundant hormone in the bloodstream and peaks during youth, declining sharply around age 30. This decline is thought to contribute to age-related health issues.
• DHEA supplementation has become popular as an anti-aging therapy, based on claims it can restore youthful hormone levels. However, evidence for benefits is still considered preliminary.

What Does DHEA Do in the Body?

• DHEA helps produce sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. It also gets converted into the stress hormone cortisol.
• It plays a role in maintaining strong bones and helps regulate insulin and blood sugar.
• Low DHEA is linked to depression, heart disease, sexual dysfunction, and weakened immunity.
• DHEA helps balance the catabolic hormones that break down tissues, with the anabolic hormones like testosterone that build and repair tissues.
• It is involved in energy production, immune function, and healthy inflammation response.
• DHEA helps regulate neurotransmitters like serotonin that influence mood, sleep, and motivation.

DHEA Levels Decline With Age

• After peaking around age 25, DHEA levels decline approximately 10% per decade. By age 80 we have just 10-20% of youthful DHEA levels.
• Some experts believe supplementing DHEA reverses this age-related decline in DHEA and prevents associated health risks. However, benefits of supplementation are still under investigation.
• Factors like stress and cortisol imbalance can also deplete DHEA faster. Optimizing adrenal function may support healthy DHEA synthesis.

Potential Benefits of DHEA Supplementation

• Small studies suggest DHEA supplementation may provide beneficial effects like:
  • Increased libido and sexual function
  • Mood support and reduced depression
  • Improved immune function
  • Increased bone mineral density
  • More youthful skin tone and elasticity
  • Increased muscle mass and strength
  • Improved memory and cognitive function
  • Reduced risk of heart disease

However, largescale trials are still needed to confirm these benefits.

Is DHEA Supplementation Safe?

• When used appropriately under medical supervision, DHEA is generally considered safe for most adults. However some precautions apply:
  • Excess DHEA may cause side effects like oily skin, hair loss, and facial hair growth.
  • DHEA is not recommended for people with hormonal cancers like prostate or breast cancer.
  • DHEA dosage should be kept under 50 mg per day, away from mealtimes.
  • Those with liver disease should avoid DHEA.

Talk to your doctor before supplementing to determine if DHEA could benefit your individual hormonal needs. Consider having DHEA levels tested to identify any deficiencies. Human Antiaging Center specializes in DHEA testing and expert DHEA supplementation guidance to restore optimal hormonal balance. Contact us today for your consultation.