DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA levels peak in our 20s and 30s, after which they decline with age. This decline has led some to believe that taking DHEA supplements can slow aging.
Functions of DHEA
Supplementing with DHEA may help increase testosterone and estrogen levels. However, the effects seem to depend a lot on your age and existing hormone levels.
For example, DHEA supplements may improve bone mineral density and sexual function in older women. But it doesn’t do much for young healthy men.
DHEA Supplements
DHEA supplements may help those with low DHEA levels due to age or adrenal insufficiency. Those with healthy DHEA levels likely won't see any benefits.
Too much DHEA from supplements can also lead to side effects like oily skin, fatigue, irregular heartbeats in women, and mood changes.
If you’re considering DHEA supplements, get your DHEA-S levels tested first. Normal levels for adults are:
Levels below the norms may indicate adrenal insufficiency. In that case, visit a hormone clinic like Hormone Health Center to see if DHEA supplementation makes sense for your individual health situation.
DHEA and Cortisol
High cortisol tends to lower DHEA production. Chronically elevated cortisol levels from high stress can therefore lead to depleted DHEA over time.
That’s why getting stress levels under control is important for optimizing DHEA. Strategies like meditation, more sleep, adaptogenic herbs, and hormone balancing through nutrition and smart supplementation will get your DHEA and other hormones working optimally!
In Conclusion
While DHEA supplements may provide some benefits for older adults and those with clinically low DHEA/adrenal dysfunction, their usefulness is limited for young healthy folks.
Get tested first before jumping to conclusions about DHEA “miracle” supplements. And consider lifestyle measures that reduce cortisol and balance hormones instead of blindly supplementing hormones without medical oversight. The natural approach is the wisest one when it comes to DHEA optimization.