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Fighting Age with DHEA
DHEA is another controversial antiaging hormone. However,
unlike the Human Growth Hormone (HGH) there have been more studies done, but with often conflicting results.
DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that is a precursor to the male hormone testosterone and the female hormone estrogen. There seems to be little dispute that DHEA
levels steadily decline as we age, so that by the age of 70 a person is only producing about 20% as he did in his teens or 20s.
Proponents of supplemental DHEA claim that taking the hormone will improve your memory, increase libido, improve muscle tone and stamina, reduce depression, anxiety and fatigue, rejuvenate cells leading to firmer, less wrinkled skin, add sheen and
strength to damaged hair and nails and help with weight control.
A German study done in the late 90s showed that women who took
DHEA for four months were less likely to be depressed, anxious or
hostile and more likely to have sexual thoughts and enjoy sex. These
results seemed to confirm other studies that DHEA can effect moods
and perhaps reduce depression. It might also aid in the treatment of
chronic fatigue syndrome.
However two studies in 2003 gave contradictory results as far as the
effect of the hormone on heart disease and doctors are very worried
that the hormone might, in fact, worsen heart conditions.
More recent studies have shown that DHEA can cause significant
reductions in abdominal fat, which is associated with diabetes and
blood plaque build up in the arteries. So the effect of the hormone
on the heart is still undecided.
DHEA is also proven to help some lupus suffers.
As with all hormone therapies, the experts warn that the long term
risks are unknown. There is concern that DHEA may cause or worsen
heart conditions or cause or accelerate prostate cancer or other
tumors.
The hormone is available as a supplement and not patentable, so no research is likely to be done by the
pharmaceutical industry. As a matter of fact, DHEA was briefly banned
in the US, but is now legal, to the chagrin of many doctors.
Other physicians feel that a dosage up to 50 mg a day would probably
not be harmful. But even they call for more studies.
DHEA is probably not needed before the age of 40. A blood test can be
used to establish if you are suffering from a deficiency.
There is nothing to prevent anyone from buying and taking DHEA. There
are many short term benefits and long term hazards, if any, have not
yet been proven.
If you feel you might benefit from DHEA, consult a qualified physician
first. This article is for informational purposes only. It does not purport to offer medical advice.
About the Author
Ms. Bowler has been a teacher all her life. She has taught grade school, ballet and aerobics. She has also been a personal trainer.
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