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. If not used under supervision of a physician and dosed incorrectly, DHEA side effects may include abdominal pain, acne, breast tenderness, deepening of the voice in women, facial hair growth, fatigue, greasy or oily skin, hair loss, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, insomnia, irregular or rapid heartbeats, irregular menses, male pattern baldness, mood disturbance, nasal congestion, shrinkage of the testicles, skin itching, urinary urgency , increased aggression, and weight gain around the waist.
DHEA may alter the production of cholesterol and hormones such as insulin, thyroid hormones, and adrenal hormones. People with liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, blood clotting disorders, hormonal disorders, or hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer and prostate cancer should take caution when using DHEA. Those with a history of heart disease or stroke should avoid DHEA supplements. High DHEA levels have been associated with psychotic disorders, People with or at risk for psychiatric disorders should only use DHEA under the supervision of their healthcare provider.
There is no recommended daily allowance for DHEA supplements. The following doses have been studied for these conditions:. When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by Consumer Labs, The U. As a prohormone meaning it is converted by the body into a hormone DHEA may increase testosterone levels, but there's little evidence it can enhance muscle strength. There's evidence exercise may do the trick, even for older people whose DHEA levels have naturally declined.
Research has found that relatively short bouts of aerobic activity—in one study, an average of 23 minutes on a treadmill—may boost blood levels of DHEA. DHEA-S stands for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
It's simply a male sex hormone that is a form of DHEA. DHEA-S is produced by the adrenal glands in both males and females. In the morning. This is when your body naturally produces DHEA, so taking supplements at the same time will be most effective. As levels of DHEA in the blood decline, people may experience:. Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. National Instutites of Health MedlinePlus.
Wild yam. Overall, because a large number of studies show no benefits for muscle size or strength, DHEA is probably not effective in these two regards. As with muscle mass, the majority of research indicates that DHEA is not effective at reducing fat mass 17 , 18 , 20 , 22 , 23 , 26 , This form of the supplement, called 7-Keto DHEA, has been reported to increase metabolic rate in overweight men and women In this study, individuals taking the supplement lost about 6.
Those in the placebo group only lost 2. Some research in women nearing menopause showed that women with depression had higher levels of this hormone than those without depression However, some individuals with severe depression have lower levels of DHEA than those with milder depression 6.
Other studies have shown no improvements in mental function or depression scores in healthy, middle-aged and elderly adults 33 , 34 , Some researchers even caution against the use of it, as higher levels of DHEA in the body have been associated with increased symptoms of depression in middle-aged women For starters, DHEA supplements may improve the function of the ovaries in women with impaired fertility. In fact, it increased the success of in vitro fertilization IVF in 25 women experiencing fertility problems 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…. Having a blood test with a needle has some risks. These include bleeding, infection, bruising, and feeling lightheaded.
When the needle pricks your arm or hand, you may feel a slight sting or pain. Afterward, the site may be sore. Menstruation can affect your results. You should have this test done 1 week before or after your menstrual period. DHEA supplements can also affect your results. Nutritional supplements aren't monitored in the U. Because of this, the purity and strength listed on the supplement package may be unreliable.
DHEA supplements are not advised because they have many side effects. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking a DHEA supplement. Tell them if you take any supplement that is said to increase athletic performance.
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use.
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