DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) may be a lesser-known hormone, but its impact on our health is far from insignificant. Did you know that DHEA’s full name, “Dehydroepiandrosterone,” is quite a mouthful? DHEA was first isolated from animal urine in the 1930s, marking the start of its scientific journey. The expression: Mother of all hormones” is commonly used to underscore DHEA’s significance in the body’s hormonal sequence.

DHEA is a white, crystalline powder that is often odorless. DHEA is sparingly soluble in water and it exists in a solid state at room temperature. DHEA is attracted to fats and participates in metabolic activities related to fats.

DHEA in our body reaches its peak in early adulthood, typically around age 20-30. DHEA levels decline with age, decreasing by approximately 80% from peak levels by age 70. DHEA has the potential to convert into over 150 different metabolites in the body. Up to 30% of circulating DHEA can be synthesized outside the adrenal glands. Women generally have higher DHEA levels than men.

DHEA was first isolated and identified in the early 1930s by scientists attempting to understand the complex biochemical processes of the adrenal glands.

In the 1950s, scientists realized that DHEA helps make hormones like testosterone and estrogen which resulted in curious researchers trying to understand how it functions in our system. Also, interestingly, the 1990s was the time when there was a huge interest in how DHEA could slow down the process of natural aging. This was later supported by the ongoing research that showed DHEA could counter the effects of getting older.

 

 

The Complex Saga of Natural DHEA Production

DHEA’s production originates in a pair of small, yet powerful, structures known as the adrenal glands. Our kidney’s triangle-shaped glands, which also produce other essential hormones act as a body’s natural laboratories.

Reproductive organs are responsible for producing gametes and hormones. In males, the testes produce sperm and testosterone. In females, ovaries make eggs, estrogen, and progesterone. DHEA is mainly from adrenal glands but is also made in gonads, influencing hormonal balance. Organisms create complex molecules from simpler ones via enzymatic reactions. For DHEA, cholesterol converts to DHEA in adrenal glands, and further to testosterone or estrogen. This process is crucial for creating and maintaining hormones in the body.

 

Discovering DHEA: Your Body’s Versatile Ally

  • Bone-Building Partner: Think of DHEA as a partner to calcium, a mineral renowned for its bone-building prowess. DHEA teams up with calcium to support its absorption and utilization within your bones. Consider DHEA as a supporter of the bone matrix – the intricate scaffolding that gives bones their strength and flexibility. Collagen is a protein that holds the bone matrix together and is produced in part by DHEA. This makes your bones strong and able to resist the stresses of daily living. 
  • Metabolism and Weight Management: Metabolism and Weight Management: DHEA is very important in the process of normal metabolism and weight control. It helps in insulin management by maintaining stable blood sugar levels, supports the growth of lean muscle, helps with breaking down fat, and prevents stress-related weight gain.
  • Heart’s Rhythm Protector: Think of DHEA as a protector of your heart’s rhythm. It has been associated with positive effects on cardiovascular health, influencing factors like blood pressure and cholesterol levels. This cardiovascular support is like maintaining the steady beat of a healthy heart throughout the journey of life.
  • The Reservoir of Vitality: DHEA acts as a reservoir of vitality meaning it could maintain your energy as you get older.
  • Exercise Enhancer for Enthusiasts: DHEA supplements act as potential enhancers for exercise enthusiasts. A few studies propose that DHEA could help with building muscles, which might be advantageous for physically active people.
  • Lupus Symptom Manager: DHEA may play a role in easing some lupus-related symptoms, according to research giving patients dealing with this autoimmune disorder some hope. Also, DHEA could play a role in controlling the progression of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Cognitive and Mood Connection: Beyond its physiological effects, DHEA has been linked to cognitive function and mood regulation, and emotional balance. Studies show that having a higher DHEA level is linked to better mental strength and positive feelings.
  • Fibromyalgia: Imagine a condition where your body experiences widespread pain, constant fatigue, and sensitive spots that feel tender to the touch. DHEA is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating powers.
  • Crohn’s Disease: DHEA, with its anti-inflammatory powers, could soothe the discomfort of Crohn’s disease and enhance the quality of life.

 

Nutrition and DHEA: Supporting Hormonal Health

Balanced nutrition can play a role in supporting the body’s natural production and balance of DHEA. While there’s no specific diet that guarantees increased DHEA levels, focusing on a well-rounded diet rich in certain nutrients can contribute to overall hormonal health. Here are some balanced sources of nutrients that may support DHEA production:

Healthy Fats

Sources: Fatty fish (like salmon, mackerel, and sardines), avocados, nuts (such as walnuts and almonds), seeds (like chia and flaxseeds), and olive oil are excellent sources of beneficial fats. They assist overall endocrine function and give hormones their building ingredients.

 

Antioxidant-Rich Foods

Sources: Vibrant fruits (like berries, citrus fruits, and pomegranates), veggies (including spinach, kale, and broccoli), dark chocolate, and green tea contain antioxidants that can lower oxidative stress and assist in maintaining hormonal harmony.

 

Lean Protein

Sources: Lean meats (chicken, turkey), fish, eggs, legumes (beans, lentils), tofu, and tempeh are great sources of protein and are essential for hormone synthesis, including DHEA.

 

Zinc-Rich Foods

Sources: Oysters, lean meats, pumpkin seeds, nuts, legumes, and whole grains are involved in the enzymatic reactions required for hormone production.

 

Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Sources: Citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, kiwi, and broccoli support adrenal gland function and overall hormone health.

 

B-Vitamins

Sources: Whole grains, leafy grains, eggs, lean meats, dairy products, and legumes contribute to different body processes, including making hormones.

 

Navigating DHEA Dosages: Recommendations and Considerations

  • Age and Goals: For individuals under 30, DHEA production is generally sufficient, and supplementation might not be necessary. As you age, dosages might vary. A common recommendation for adults is around 25-50 milligrams per day, divided into smaller doses.
  • Gradual Approach: Begin with a smaller amount, like 25 milligrams per day, and slowly raise it over weeks or months. This lets your body adapt and lowers the chance of possible side effects.
  • Quality Assurance: To ensure correct labeling and purity, use premium supplements from well-known manufacturers.
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring of hormone levels, especially DHEA, testosterone, and estrogen, is important if you’re using DHEA supplements. This ensures that your hormones remain in harmony and that using supplements doesn’t lead to any issues.
  • Regulation: The regulation of DHEA varies from country to country. In certain places, you can buy DHEA supplements without a prescription, but in other countries, they’re considered prescription medications.

 

 

Why is DHEA Prescribed?

  • Hormone Imbalances: DHEA may be prescribed for people with hormone imbalance particularly low levels of DHEA and other sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen.
  • Adrenal Insufficiency: This happens when the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones including DHEA and cortisol. Some of the symptoms of adrenal insufficiency are, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal symptoms, low blood sugar, weight loss, low blood pressure, weight loss and fatigue.
  • Certain Health Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as lupus, certain autoimmune disorders, and HIV/AIDS, are also related to low levels of DHEA. In such cases, DHEA might be given to manage the symptoms.
  • Bone Health: Research shows that DHEA supplementation could have a good impact on bone health, so for people with the risk of osteoporosis or bone fractures, it might be prescribed.
  • Fertility and Reproductive Health: Its use in cases of infertility are being explored particularly for women with low number of eggs in the ovaries.
  • Depression and Mood Disorders: There is limited evidence to suggest that DHEA might have a role in improving mood and depressive symptoms. It’s sometimes prescribed as an adjunctive therapy for individuals with mood disorders who haven’t responded well to other treatments.
  • Cognitive Function: Brain imaging studies show that low levels of DHEA are linked with Alzheimer’s disease also. Some research examined the effects of DHEA on cognitive function and memory particularly in older adults.

 

 

Importance of Healthcare Consultation Before DHEA Use

Talking to a healthcare provider before using DHEA is crucial, particularly if you’re on medications or have existing health issues. This is important because these interactions could affect your health and overall well-being.

Medication Efficacy and Safety

  • Anti-Seizure Drugs: Interactions between DHEA and anti-seizure medications could lead to unexpected effects or changes in treatment outcomes.
  • Vaccines, Sedatives, and Opioid Medications: DHEA could potentially affect the effects or responses to these substances.
  • Medications for Mental Health Conditions: DHEA might influence the effectiveness of medications used for mental health issues.
  • Heart Medications: These include beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and cardiac glycosides. Using DHEA alongside these medications could have surprising effects on heart and blood pressure control.
  • Hormonal Medications (Birth Control Pills and Antiestrogens): DHEA might interfere with the effects of these medications, potentially affecting their efficacy. Taking DHEA supplements might worsen specific health issues, like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or problems with the adrenal glands.
  • Antidepressants and Antipsychotic Drugs: Some interactions between DHEA and these medications might impact mental health conditions or treatment outcomes.

 

Risk of Adverse Effects

  • Blood Thinners: DHEA may affect blood clotting factors, which could interact with blood-thinning medications like warfarin or aspirin. This could increase the likelihood of bleeding or other unfavorable results.

 

Hormone Sensitivity

  • Hormone-Sensitive Cancers: DHEA’s impact on hormone levels might be a concern for individuals with hormone-sensitive cancers like breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer. It’s crucial to not take DHEA supplements without medical guidance in these situations.

 

Liver Metabolism

  • Metabolism of Other Drugs: DHEA can influence the activity of enzymes in the liver responsible for metabolizing medications. This might change the speed at which your body processes things, impacting how medications are broken down and removed.

 

DHEA Forms: Choosing the Right Fit

DHEA is available in various forms to suit different preferences and needs. Here are some common forms of DHEA:

  • DHEA Supplements: These are oral capsules or tablets containing DHEA in different dosage strengths. They are the most typical type of DHEA dietary supplement and are simple to incorporate into everyday routines.
  • Creams: Topical DHEA creams allow for absorption through the skin. They are applied directly to the skin and are often used for localized effects.
  • Gels: Similar to creams, DHEA gels are applied topically to the skin. They can be absorbed through the skin and provide an alternative option to oral supplementation.
  • Lotion: Lotions containing DHEA offer a convenient way to apply the hormone to the skin, potentially for skin-related benefits.
  • Sublingual DHEA: Sublingual tablets are placed under the tongue for absorption through the mucous membranes. This approach avoids the digestive process and introduces DHEA directly into the bloodstream.
  • Lozenges: Lozenges are held in the mouth and dissolve slowly, allowing DHEA to be absorbed through the mucous membranes.
  • Drops: Liquid DHEA drops can be added to beverages or taken sublingually for absorption.
  • Patches: Transdermal patches are applied to the skin to deliver a continuous dose of DHEA over a specific period.
  • Sprays: DHEA sprays are applied to the inner lining of the mouth for sublingual absorption.

Your doctor can assist you in choosing the right kind of DHEA that matches your health requirements and goals.

 

DHEA: Your Health Helper, But Handle with Care

  • Balance Matters: Just like in a see-saw game, your hormones need to be balanced. Too much DHEA might tip the balance and lead to health troubles.
  • Watch for Side Effects: Common side effects of DHEA supplementation can include acne, oily skin, hair growth, voice deepening (in women), and mood changes.
  • Long-Term Outlook: Long-term use may have consequences that we are not yet completely aware of. So, it’s wise to be cautious.
  • No Magic Wand: Imagine DHEA as a magic wand – it might not grant all your wishes. Its effects can be different for different people, so don’t expect miracles.

 

DHEA and Pregnancy: Safety and Considerations

Pregnancy is a sensitive period, and introducing new substances, including supplements like DHEA, should be approached with caution. DHEA supplements could potentially have effects on hormone levels that might not be suitable for a healthy pregnancy. Unbalanced hormone levels might contribute to complications or disruptions in the pregnancy process.

Research on the safety of DHEA during pregnancy is limited, and there’s not enough evidence to conclusively determine its impact on the developing fetus.

 

DHEA in Sports: Anti-Doping Regulations

Rules against doping are essential to keep sports competitions fair and honest. DHEA has specific regulations set by different sports groups, notably the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

  • WADA’s Prohibited List: DHEA is included on WADA’s Prohibited List under the category of Endogenous Anabolic Androgenic Steroids. This means athletes are not allowed to use DHEA at any time, and its presence in an athlete’s sample can lead to sanctions and disqualification.
  • Classification as a Prohibited Substance: DHEA is categorized as an anabolic substance, which implies it can potentially boost muscle growth, strength, and endurance.
  • Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs): Athletes who require DHEA for legitimate medical purposes can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to use the substance while competing. However, obtaining a TUE for DHEA can be challenging, as strict medical criteria must be met to demonstrate a valid medical need.
  • Detection and Testing: DHEA can be detected through various doping control methods, including urine and blood tests. Anti-doping agencies use advanced methods to detect external DHEA in an athlete’s body, distinguishing it from naturally occurring DHEA.
  • Education and Awareness: Anti-doping groups, sports organizations, and athlete support teams are essential in informing athletes about the dangers and outcomes of using DHEA. Raising awareness helps athletes make informed choices and follow anti-doping rules.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Is DHEA linked to exercise performance and muscle mass?

DHEA is linked to exercise performance and muscle growth, with some studies suggesting its potential benefits. Effects vary, so consulting a healthcare professional before supplementing is advised.

How does the combination of alcohol and smoking affect DHEA?

The interaction between alcohol and smoking can amplify the influence on DHEA levels possibly worsening disruptions in hormonal balance.

Are there natural ways to support DHEA levels in the body?

Engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep are factors that can support healthy DHEA levels naturally.

What are the symptoms of low DHEA?

Signs of low DHEA levels can encompass tiredness, diminished sex drive, mood shifts, weak muscles, cognitive problems, and alterations in skin condition.

Is DHEA beneficial for fertility and reproductive well-being?

A few studies propose that DHEA could be beneficial for fertility and reproductive health, especially for specific groups of women with lower ovarian reserve.

Are there age recommendations for DHEA supplementation?

DHEA supplements are not recommended for individuals under 18 or over 65 years of age. Younger individuals typically have sufficient DHEA levels, while older adults may experience hormonal changes.