DHEA - Vitality Hormone Clinic

What is DHEA?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is considered a precursor hormone, meaning it is converted into other hormones like estrogen and testosterone in the body. Some key facts about DHEA:

Age	DHEA Levels
25	Peak levels
75-80	10-20% of peak levels

• DHEA supplements have become popular as an anti-aging remedy and for a variety of proposed health benefits. However, the benefits of supplementation are still debated.
• DHEA is available over-the-counter as a dietary supplement in capsule or tablet form. Doses typically range from 25-100mg per day.
• DHEA supplementation may help boost low levels that occur with age or adrenal insufficiency, but it's unclear if it offers benefits in healthy individuals with normal DHEA levels.

What does DHEA do in the body?

DHEA serves several functions:

• As a steroid hormone precursor that gets converted to testosterone and estrogen
• Potential roles in sexual health, immune function, mood, cognitive function, and heart health (still under investigation)
• Involved in complex hormonal pathways implicated in stress response, inflammation, metabolism, and more

Some key points about DHEA's roles:

• DHEA boosts low testosterone and estrogen levels, which decline with age. But it's unclear if it benefits those with normal levels.
• Studies show mixed results on DHEA improving sexual function, bone density, muscle mass, heart health markers, mood disorders, and immunity. More research is needed.
• DHEA levels decline 80-90% from peak by age 80. Supplements may potentially help counteract this age-related drop.

What are the benefits of taking DHEA supplements?

Some potential benefits claimed for DHEA supplements include:

Potential Benefits	Areas of Impact
Increased muscle mass and strength	Physical performance
Enhanced libido and sexual performance	Sexual health
Improved mood and cognitive function	Mental well-being
Reduced inflammation and immune enhancement	Overall health
Better heart health markers like improved cholesterol	Cardiovascular health
Increased energy, vitality and ability to handle stress	Quality of life
Anti-aging effects like improved skin elasticity	Appearance and aging

However, the benefits are still considered preliminary and more research is needed. Those with adrenal insufficiency are more likely to benefit from DHEA supplementation than healthy adults with normal DHEA levels already.

As we age, hormone declines contribute significantly to loss of vitality. If you're over 35 and feel your get up and go has got up and gone, consider bioidentical hormone replacement at Vitality Hormone Clinic to restore your pep. Our anti-aging specialists design fully customized regimens to get your mojo back.

Are there side effects or risks from taking DHEA?

Potential side effects may include:

• Acne and oily skin
• Facial hair growth in women
• Disrupted menstrual cycles in women
• Irritability and mood changes
• Liver damage at high doses

DHEA may also interact with certain medications like antidepressants, steroids, and statins. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer should avoid DHEA unless approved by their doctor.

Starting with lower doses like 25-50mg and having DHEA levels monitored can help reduce side effect risks. Always consult your healthcare provider before taking DHEA supplements.

Conclusion

While DHEA shows promise for anti-aging, vitality, and preventing age-related hormone declines, the benefits for healthy adults remain unclear. Work with your doctor to determine if DHEA supplementation makes sense for your individual health and hormone status. Lifestyle measures like a healthy diet, exercise, and stress management are proven to boost DHEA and support lifelong vitality. If you're considering DHEA or other hormone therapies, consult with the experienced professionals at Vitality Hormone Clinic to develop a personalized plan for optimal health and well-being.