The Benefits of Taking DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands which is then converted to steroid sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen in the body 1. Levels of DHEA peak between the ages of 20 and 30 years old and decline with age. DHEA is manufactured and used as hormonal replacement therapy, according to Columbia University’s Health Services. Proponents of DHEA believe it has several health benefits, ranging from increasing energy to possibly helping with Alzheimer’s disease. Always consult with your physician before taking new supplements or undergoing alternative treatments.
Improves Energy Levels
When 50 to 200 mg of a DHEA hormonal supplement are taken daily, it may improve energy levels in people with chronic fatigue syndrome, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The University of Michigan Health System reports that women with true adrenal insufficiency who have low levels of DHEA may see an improvement in energy and sense of well-being when 50 mg of DHEA supplement is taken each day.
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According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, DHEA may help older women with osteoporosis 1. DHEA treatment may help fight osteoporosis in women over 70 and is helpful in preventing osteoporosis in women with anorexia. The Saint Louis University reports that when a DHEA supplement is taken with both vitamin D and calcium, it significantly improves spinal bone density in older women. A two-year University of Saint Louis study was conducted and found that the female study subjects’ bone density increased by 2 percent. This study was limited to spinal bone density and did not include other bones in the body.
- According to the NYU Langone Medical Center, DHEA may help older women with osteoporosis 1.
- The Saint Louis University reports that when a DHEA supplement is taken with both vitamin D and calcium, it significantly improves spinal bone density in older women.
Reproductive Issues
DHEA supplementation may help women with menopausal symptoms, according to the University of Michigan Health System. It may effect mood symptoms associated with menopause by improving the repsonse in the brain to endorphins, the brain chemicals involved in pain and pleasure sensations. Check with your physician before taking DHEA supplements for hormonal issues.
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People with high cholesterol levels may benefit from taking DHEA, according to NYU Langone Medical Center 1. DHEA may reduce cholesterol levels in blood and reduce plaque formations. However, DHEA may also cause further problems in people with cardiovascular disease; consult with your physician prior to using DHEA supplements if you have a history of heart or cardiovascular issues.
Caution
According to Columbia University’s Health Services, DHEA may cause women to grow excess facial hair when taken in excessive doses over 100 mg per day and it may deepen their voices. DHEA may increase risk of beast cancer and heart disease, cause acne breakouts, increase breast size in men and increase the risk of prostate cancer. High dosages of DHEA may cause liver damage. Due to high risks associated with taking DHEA, weigh your family health history or other risk factors with your doctor prior to taking this supplement.
- According to Columbia University’s Health Services, DHEA may cause women to grow excess facial hair when taken in excessive doses over 100 mg per day and it may deepen their voices.
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References
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
- National Instutites of Health MedlinePlus. Wild yam. Updated April 18, 2018.
- National Institutes of Health MedlinePlus. DHEA. Updated May 29, 2019.
- Park SG, Hwang S, Kim JS, Park KC, Kwon Y, Kim KC. The association between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) and bone mineral density in Korean men and women. J Bone Metab. 2017;24(1):31–36. doi:10.11005/jbm.2017.24.1.31
- von Mühlen D, Laughlin GA, Kritz-Silverstein D, Bergstrom J, Bettencourt R. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trial. Osteoporos Int. 2008;19(5):699–707. doi:10.1007/s00198-007-0520-z
- Peixoto C, Devicari Cheda JN, Nardi AE, Veras AB, Cardoso A. The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the treatment of depression and depressive symptoms in other psychiatric and medical illnesses: A systematic review. Curr Drug Targets. 2014;15(9):901-14.
- Cleveland Clinic. Prasterone, DHEA tables or capsules (Dietary supplements).
- Archer DF. Dehydroepiandrosterone intra vaginal administration for the management of postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2015 Jan;145:139-43. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.09.003
- Freitas RP, Lemos TM, Spyrides MH, Sousa MB. Influence of cortisol and DHEA-S on pain and other symptoms in post menopausal women with fibromyalgia. J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil. 2012;25(4):245-52. doi:10.3233/BMR-2012-0331.
- Gómez-Santos C, Hernández-Morante JJ, Tébar FJ, et al. Differential effect of oral dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate on metabolic syndrome features in pre- and postmenopausal obese women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2012;77(4):548-54. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2265.2011.04306.x.
- Panjari M, Davis SR. DHEA for postmenopausal women: a review of the evidence. Maturitas. 2010;66(2):172-9. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2009.12.017
Writer Bio
William Peterman is a registered nurse with experience in mental health, surgery, urology, drug research and critical care. Peterman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing and also has a Master of Business Administration. His articles on health and nutrition have appeared on various online publications.