Additionally, several studies have shown that these supplements may increase libido and sexual function in both men and women 38 , 39 , However, the largest benefits were seen in individuals with impaired sexual function. Often, no benefits were seen in individuals without sexual problems 41 , The adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, are one of the main producers of DHEA 1. This condition can produce fatigue, weakness and changes in blood pressure.
It can even progress to become life-threatening DHEA supplements have been examined as a way to treat symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Some research indicates that they may improve the quality of life in these individuals 44 , 45 , In women with adrenal insufficiency, DHEA decreased feelings of anxiety and depression, as well as improved overall well-being and sexual satisfaction If you suffer from adrenal insufficiency or other adrenal problems, you may want to ask your physician about whether DHEA could help you.
While doses of 10— mg have been reported, a common dose is 25—50 mg per day 32 , 41 , Regarding time frame, a dose of 50 mg per day has been safely used for one year, and 25 mg per day has safely been used for two years. Generally, DHEA supplements have been safely used in studies for up to two years without severe side effects 26 , Minor side effects have included greasy skin, acne and increased hair growth in the armpits and pubic area 4.
Importantly, DHEA supplements should not be taken by individuals with cancers affected by sex hormones 4. For young, healthy individuals, taking DHEA is probably not necessary. This hormone is produced naturally in the body, and more of it is not necessarily better.
However, supplementing with DHEA may benefit some individuals, specifically older adults and those with certain adrenal, sexual or fertility problems. It is recommended that you consult your physician if you are thinking about taking this supplement. Taking DHEA supplements may have benefits for conditions such as depression and osteoporosis. However, more research is needed to fully understand…. DHEA is a hormone that contributes to male traits. Low DHEA is associated with many….
Many supplements — including 7-Keto — claim to boost metabolism and aid weight loss. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. Dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA is a steroid hormone available in dietary supplement form.
Found naturally in your body, it's made in the adrenal glands. The DHEA found in dietary supplements is a synthetic form of the hormone, produced from diosgenin, a substance found in soy and wild yams. In your body, DHEA is converted into male and female sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Since low levels of DHEA have been detected in some individuals with conditions like diabetes , breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis , and kidney disease, DHEA supplements are also commonly used as an alternative remedy to treat or prevent such conditions.
DHEA is also said by some to slow the aging process, improve sports performance, enhance libido, promote weight loss, and bolster the immune system. In addition, DHEA supplements are frequently marketed as testosterone-boosting agents and used for such purposes as increasing muscle mass and reducing fat mass. Despite many purported uses of DHEA supplements, there is conflicting evidence supporting its benefits.
Here's a look at some of the available research:. Scientific studies evaluating DHEA's effects on bone health have yielded mixed results. Research on DHEA and osteoporosis includes a study published in the Journal of Bone Metabolism in , in which researchers measured the bone mineral density of healthy men and women and found that those with the highest blood levels of DHEA had a significantly higher bone mineral density compared to those with the lowest DHEA levels.
On the other hand, a study published in Osteoporosis International in suggests that DHEA supplements may improve bone mineral density in women but fail to enhance bone health in men. In this study, healthy adults ages 55 to 85 took either DHEA supplements or a placebo every day for one year.
At the study's end, DHEA appeared to have had a positive effect on some measures of bone mineral density in female participants. Male participants, however, showed no significant changes in bone mineral density following treatment with DHEA. DHEA may be of some benefit in the treatment of depression, according to a research review published in Current Drug Targets in In their analysis of 22 previously published studies, the review's authors found that DHEA supplementation was generally associated with significant improvements among patients with depression.
What's more, the review found that DHEA may relieve depressive symptoms in people with conditions like schizophrenia and anorexia nervosa. Early research indicates that DHEA might have effects in the treatment of a number of other health conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome, menopausal symptoms, and metabolic syndrome.
Because DHEA is a hormone, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. Children and pregnant or nursing women should not use DHEA. Billian will receive her Bachelor of Arts in psychology from Smith College. DHEA supplements are popular in the treatment of health conditions ranging from obesity to depression. Video of the Day. Uses of DHEA. Recommended Doses. Side Effects. Several studies show that taking DHEA along with other medications helps improve quality of life for people with lupus, though it probably does not change the overall course of their disease.
Several studies have found that some people who take DHEA supplements may be able take less prescription medication. DHEA may also reduce the frequency of flare ups, enhance mental function, and boost bone mass in women with lupus. One study found that a lower dose -- 20 to 30 mg -- might also work. Most of these studies have been small. So more studies are needed to determine whether DHEA is safe and effective for people with lupus.
DHEA is one of the hormones made by the adrenal glands. With adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands do not make enough hormones, including DHEA and cortisol. That happens either because of problems with the pituitary gland or damage to the adrenal glands themselves also called Addison's disease. Several studies suggest that taking DHEA may help improve mood, fatigue, and well being.
In one study, women with this condition who took DHEA supplements reported improved sexuality and sense of well being, including fewer feelings of depression and anxiety. Adrenal insufficiency requires a doctor's care. You shouldn't take DHEA on your own for adrenal insufficiency. Severe adrenal insufficiency can be a medical emergency, especially when first diagnosed.
A few studies of people with major depression found that DHEA improved symptoms compared to placebo. The results aren't entirely clear, and researchers don't know what the long-term effects of taking DHEA might be.
More research is needed. DO NOT try to treat depression by yourself. People with depression need medical care. Preliminary studies suggest that DHEA may help reduce bone loss in older women. It doesn't seem to have the same effect in men. And in one study it didn't help women who were under age Studies using DHEA to treat overweight people have found conflicting results.
Animal studies have found DHEA to help reduce body weight. Human studies found that taking DHEA didn't change total body weight. But it did improve total body fat and LDL "bad" cholesterol. However, more research is needed to know whether DHEA really helps. Research suggests that DHEA may help improve sex drive in older women but not younger women.
More studies are needed. Since DHEA levels decline with age, some researchers have investigated whether taking DHEA supplements could slow or prevent age-related mental or physical problems. People in the study didn't have any improvement in muscle function and strength. Another study found that men and women over 60 who took DHEA for 2 years didn't have any improvement in bone density, muscle strength, insulin sensitivity, or quality of life.
But other studies have not found any improvement. And these levels decrease even more as the disease progresses. DHEA has been popular among perimenopausal women, seeking relief from menopausal symptoms, including decreased sex drive, diminished skin tone, and vaginal dryness.
Studies have been mixed. Preliminary studies show DHEA supplements raised levels of some hormones in postmenopausal women. However, DHEA supplementation in healthy pre- and postmenopausal women is controversial.
Clinical studies show conflicting results as to whether DHEA can improve sexual function, metabolism, and overall well being. More studies are needed to determine whether DHEA is safe and effective. People who believe in using DHEA claim that it relieves menopausal symptoms without increasing the risk of breast cancer or cancer of the lining of the uterus -- unlike prescription hormone replacement therapy, which does increase risk of these cancers.
But there is no proof that DHEA does not also increase risk of these cancers. People with a history of cancer, or who are at high risk for cancer should not take DHEA without their doctor's supervision. DHEA can be converted into either estrogen or testosterone in the body, which may be dangerous for women or men with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer. Women with breast cancer tend to have low levels of DHEA in their bodies.
Scientists don't know whether taking DHEA may increase or reduce growth of breast cancer cells. DHEA levels appear to be low in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. But the study wasn't well designed. Studies suggest that DHEA supplementation may be beneficial for other health conditions, including infertility, schizophrenia, cocaine withdrawal, anorexia nervosa, and dementia.
Most DHEA supplements are produced in laboratories from diosgenin, a plant sterol extracted from Mexican wild yams Dioscorea villosa. Some extracts from wild yams are marketed as "natural DHEA. But this is not true. Your body can't covert those extracts into DHEA. For this reason, it is best to look for labels that list DHEA rather than diosgenin or wild yam extract. It is important to choose high quality DHEA supplements. One way to avoid buying a product with contaminated DHEA is to purchase it through a professional health care provider.
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