DHEA

By Howard Liebowitz, M.D.

DHEA is a steroid hormone produced mostly in the Adrenal glands. It is derived from cholesterol, as are all hormones. Similar to many hormones, DHEA declines with age. This decline can result in various symptoms of accelerated aging and disease.

DHEA is also known to decline due to stress, chronic inflammation and disease, excessive alcohol consumption, dieting, and certain medications.
Benefits of DHEA supplementation include weight control and weight loss, stress support, enhanced libido and sexual function, increased skin thickness, improved immune response to infection, improved sense of well-being, decreased depression, reduced hot flashes in menopause and decreased osteoporosis. It is also known to support growth hormone levels, and may help alleviate chronic fatigue.

Side effects of DHEA supplementation are usually related to excessive dosing. In women this can result in elevation of testosterone, with acne, facial hair growth, and oily skin. In men it can be converted by the body into estrogen resulting in gynecomastia.

A health professional familiar with its use should monitor supplementation.
It is easy to take, being available as oral capsules, sub-lingual drops or lozenges, and is fairly inexpensive. It is available over-the-counter in health food stores, but caution should be taken in using it without proper medical monitoring.

This information is for educational purposes only, and is not intended to treat or diagnose any health condition.