DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands which is known to play more than 150 different metabolic functions! In fact, DHEA is one of the most abundant hormones in the body. Once secreted into the blood stream, your body converts DHEA into several other hormones that’s why it has earned the nickname “parent hormone”.

DHEA Benefits and Supplement Uses

DHEA’s uses and functions go far beyond improving your body composition – it also has a critical role in maintaining the function of vital organs including the heart and boosting the production of essential sex hormones like testosterone. Aside from these important functions, DHEA also helps:

Fight and Lower Inflammation

Inflammation is the root of most illnesses and is tied to just every problem that can compromise your health. According to research, patients with metabolic syndrome – an umbrella term used to describe a combination of risk factors including obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes – tend to have below the normal DHEA levels.^[1-4] In addition, scientists also associate low levels of DHEA with inflammatory disorders such as arthritis and lupus.^[5] In another study, DHEA replacement decreases insulin resistance and lowers inflammatory cytokines in the elderly.^[6]

Improve Muscle Mass and Bone Density

DHEA has anti-aging effects which help combat bone loss and lowers one risk for fractures and osteoporosis. Evidence suggests that high levels of DHEA boost the production of estrogen, resulting in normalization of bone mineral density in elderly men.^[7] DHEA also plays a role in muscle repair after intense training and helps prevent accumulation of dangerous visceral fat in both men and women.^[8] The specific mechanism by which DHEA exerts these effects is by helping cells take up blood sugar for energy in order to support many different bodily functions.

Improve Depression, Mood Swings and Cognitive Function

Evidence suggest that DHEA supplementation lowers rates of major depression and help improve overall emotional stability.^[9] DHEA can also help reverse the age-related decline in cognitive function, thus, improving memory and thinking skills in the elderly.^[10]

Promote Weight Loss and Build Lean Muscle Mass

DHEA helps maintain strong metabolism by improving your body’s natural ability to use energy and burn fats.^[11] It also prevents weight gain associated with old age.

Improve Heart Health and Lower the Risk for Diabetes and Hypertension

DHEA improves blood vessel function and blood circulation by lowering inflammation, supporting a healthy metabolism, improving use of blood sugar, and boosting production of sex hormones.

Improves Sexual Function and Libido

DHEA supplementation can benefit men and women with decreased libido by boosting the levels of sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen.^[12]

References:

1. Laaksonen DE, Niskanen L, Punnonen K, et al. Testosterone and sex hormone-binding globulin predict the metabolic syndrome and diabetes in middle-aged men. Diabetes Care. 2004;27:1036–1041.
2. Muller M, Grobbee DE, den Tonkelaar I, et al. Endogenous sex hormones and metabolic syndrome in aging men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2005;90:2618–2623.
3. Kupelian V, Page ST, Araujo AB, et al. Low SHBG, total testosterone, and symptomatic androgen deficiency are associated with development of the metabolic syndrome in non-obese men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 January 4; Epub ahead of print.
4. Shabsigh R, Katz M, Yan G, et al. Cardiovascular issues in hypogonadism and testosterone therapy. Am J Cardiol. 2005;96:67M–72M.
5. Derksen RH. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and systemic lupus erythematosus. Semin Arthritis Rheum. 1998;27(6):335-47.
6. Weiss EP, Villareal DT, Fontana L, Han D-H, Holloszy JO. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement decreases insulin resistance and lowers inflammatory cytokines in aging humans. Aging (Albany NY). 2011;3(5):533-542.
7. Arlt W, Haas J, Callies F, et al. Biotransformation of oral dehydroepiandrosterone in elderly men: significant increase in circulating estrogens. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84(6):2170-6.
8. Villareal DT, Holloszy JO. Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004;292(18):2243-8.
9. Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005;62(2):154-62.
10. Alhaj HA, Massey AE, Mcallister-williams RH. Effects of DHEA administration on episodic memory, cortisol and mood in healthy young men: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006;188(4):541-51.
11. Jedrzejuk D, Medras M, Milewicz A, Demissie M. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolism. Aging Male. 2003;6(3):151-6.
12. Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, et al. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations in men with erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2000;55(5):755-8.