Is DHEA The Anti-Aging Miracle Cure?
Answers To Common Questions on the Benefits of DHEA...What is DHEA? DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone (D-hi-dro-epp-E-an-dro-ster-own), a hormone made by the adrenal glands located just above the kidneys. Scientists have known about this hormone since 1934. More than 150 hormones are made by the adrenal glands. However, the most abundant hormone made by the adrenal glands is DHEA. After DHEA is made by these glands it goes into the bloodstream, and from then on it travels all over the body and goes into our cells where it is converted into male hormones, known as androgens, and female hormones, known as estrogens. Small amounts of DHEA are also made in the brain by neurons (brain cells). The body converts DHEA into the sex hormones — testosterone, in particular, and estrogen — and other hormones as well. DHEA levels peak (about 30 mg) between age 20 - 30 years, and decline gradually afterwards with age (as does testosterone and estrogen), dropping to about 10 - 20 percent (approximately less than 6 mg) of peak levels by age 70 years. What does DHEA do and what are DHEA's benefits? Until recently, the role of DHEA in the body was uncertain. Thought to be nothing more than a "buffer hormone", DHEA was considered to serve only in the production of other hormones. Scientists now have learned that body cells have DHEA receptors meaning the hormone has a specific role in the body. While it is similar in structure to testosterone, progesterone and estrogen, DHEA appears to have an endless number of functions in the biological spectrum. The latest research dedicated to DHEA suggests the hormone may be a great benefit in treating an array of health problems while relatively free of side effects. The therapeutic value of DHEA is being applied to the preventative measures and treatment for conditions such as cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, immune disorders, depression, and chronic fatigue. DHEA is also being explored for potential benefits in the aging process. Of particular interest is the effect of DHEA on the burning of fat in the body. Laboratory use suggests that DHEA may be the only substance, which could actually reduce the level of fat in the body without a change in the diet. DHEA appears to have the ability to convert consumed calories into heat rather than allowing them to be stored as fat. While it burns the fat, DHEA may also promote lean muscle tissue. DHEA levels in the body peak at around age 20 and begin to drop in most individuals from that point on. It is estimated that by age 80, DHEA levels drop by approximately 95%. DHEA is the only hormone to decline in linear fashion in both sexes. Studies suggest that as DHEA levels drop, medical problems increase. For this reason, many scientists feel DHEA is the most dominant hormone in the body. Despite a lack of knowledge in the past, increased research on DHEA may prove invaluable in the search of cures for numerous diseases. How Much DHEA Do I Need? The standard test to evaluate DHEA status is one that measures DHEAS (the serum level of DHEA in the blood).
The youthful ranges of DHEAS are as follows: Men 400-560 Women 350-430 People over age 40, who do not supplement with DHEA, usually have serum levels below 200, and many are below 100. Your goal is to get the DHEA serum level back toward the normal 'youthful' range. Start with 10 -25 mg per day, taken in the morning to mimic the production of DHEA by the body. Taking oral DHEA with fat or an oil capsule will enhance absorption. DHEA serum tests are suggested 3 to 6 weeks after starting DHEA supplements to optimize the DHEA dosage. There are all natural ways to increase DHEA - exercise and meditation have both been shown to increase DHEA levels. Are there any studies on DHEA benefits? DHEA studies are ongoing, and the number of studies is increasing with the increased interest in DHEA supplementation. A 1998 study published in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society studied DHEA's effects on aging. People between the ages of 60 and 80 were tested for DHEA levels. The participants also took cognitive and strength tests. Researchers found that those with the highest levels of DHEA performed better on both the cognitive and physical assessments. Study authors admitted that those with higher levels of DHEA seemed younger. A recent study by UCSF finds DHEA benefits cardiovascular function by maintaining the tone of coronary arteries and regulating blood flow to the heart and other parts of the body. DHEA (50-100 mg a day) was also shown to significantly elevate insulin growth factor (IGF) (Morales et al. 1998). Aging causes a decline in IGF levels that contribute to the loss of lean body mass, as well as to excess fat accumulation, neurological impairment, and age-associated immune dysfunction. The most remarkable finding about DHEA came from a human study by S.S.C. Yen and associates at the University of California (San Diego), in which 50 mg a day of DHEA over a 6-month period restored youthful serum levels of DHEA in both men and women. Dr. Yen showed that DHEA replacement was associated with an increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being for both men (67%) and women (84%). A note of caution: Since the specific role of DHEA in the body remains unclear, there may be a very good reason for why our bodies naturally produce less and less DHEA with age, which for now, also remains a mystery. If you have cancer or liver disease, of course you need to talk to your doctor before taking any supplement, including DHEA. High doses of oral DHEA should probably be avoided altogether. Research indicates that high oral doses of DHEA may cause liver damage. There have also been a few reports over the years that DHEA in high doses can cause arrhythmia (heart palpitations). As with everything in life - don't go overboard, moderation is the key.
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DHEA-Unlocking The Secrets to the Fountain of Youth
We urge you to consult with a qualified physician for diagnosis and for answers to your personal questions about DHEA.
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