DHEA

DHEA is chemically analogous to testosterone and estrogen and is converted into these hormones. DHEA production rises in early adulthood and decreases with age. Thus, many diseases which associate with age also correlate with low levels of DHEA production. DHEA is the only hormone that declines with age in both men and women. Its decline indicates age-related disease.

DHEA acts as an anti-aging technique and is said to be effective at improving and preventing many age related diseases.
Research indicates DHEA therapeutic effects in many chronic conditions including diabetes, adrenal gland imbalance, cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, obesity, Alzheimer's disease, disorders of the immune system, osteoporosis and depression.

DHEA works in three important ways namely, decreasing the harmful effects of stress and maintaining normal sex hormone levels, and increasing the production of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Decreased DHEA leads to exhaustion, weariness, melancholy, headaches, fatigue and increased susceptibility to infections and disease. Its effect on the immune system has highlighted its role in fighting AIDS. It is an effective technique for inducing labor.
DHEA supplements can raise the sexual desire, improve the doldrums, increase energy, neutralize and overcome stress, strengthen the defense mechanism, and protect from cardiac diseases and cancer. A superior mood with good health, both physical and mental and rhythmic calorie expenditure is the result of supplementation, thereby used in depression treatment. DHEA has the capacity to inhibit glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase. This enzyme is responsible for the proliferation or multiplication of cancer cells.

Increasing DHEA may well increase testosterone leading to prostate enlargement in men and facial hair in women. Increasing estrogen may reduce osteoporosis or heart disease and raise the risk of breast cancer. Side effects include palpitation, arrythmias, dwarf growth, acne, hair loss, hirsutism, enlarged breasts in men, insomnia, headaches, mood changes, and tiredness. It can cause irregular menstrual cycle in women under age 50, and may reduce HDL or high-density-lipoproteins (good cholesterol) in women.

DHEA is available as capsules, injections and tablets. Commonly used doses range from 25-200 milligrams daily. 20-50 mg is recommended daily for treating adrenal insufficiency. 30-90 mg of DHEA is advised for retrieving from depression. Depression in AIDS, calls for a high dose of 200-500 mg per day. Intravenous injection of 10 mg is recommended twice every week from the 38th week till delivery. DHEA may alter heart rates, resulting in tachycardia. Precaution must be taken while taking the herbs/supplements as it may alter heart function or that include cardiac glycosides.

Submitted on January 16, 2014