Why Should I Take DHEA?
Why Should I Take DHEA?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a critical precursor hormone that provides the building blocks for estrogen and testosterone. It’s made from converting cholesterol into DHEA in the adrenal glands and smaller amounts in the ovaries and testes.
The power of DHEA comes from its foundational support of other hormones. The amount of DHEA in the body begins to increase in early teens, peaks in the 20s and decreases as one grows older. When you have low levels of DHEA, some health problems can occur. You may then want to supplement with DHEA.
DHEA and Anti-aging
The research around DHEA and anti-aging are often conflicting with some studies showing positive effects and others showing insufficient evidence. Researchers know there is a direct correlation between DHEA and aging since amounts decrease by about 5% each year after the peak in the late 20s and early 30s. (1)
The bigger question is, what is the exact relationship, and how can this help people. In addition to numerous studies showing DHEA benefits, anecdotal evidence from men and women who've taken DHEA have reported significant benefits.
Higher Levels of Sexual Energy
It's no secret that sexual desire tapers as you age, but some studies show that DHEA supplementation increases your sex drive. It's a building block for testosterone, the main driver of sexual function. DHEA may also help with erectile dysfunction and sperm production. (2)
Stronger Muscle Strength
More research needs to be done, but in one study with elderly men and women, DHEA supplementation increases muscle strength and mass. (3) The patients combined DHEA with strength training, and over four months showed improvement.
Decreases Body Weight
Building muscle strength can also lead to decreased body weight. And it's no secret that some people report having a more challenging time losing weight as they grow older. One reason may be low DHEA levels. Some research shows that DHEA helps boost metabolism and increases energy, leading to less fat around the middle. (4)
Boosts Cognitive Function and Memory
Additional research needs to be done, but some studies show a positive correlation between boosted DHEA and improved cognitive performance. (5) DHEA is also a neurosteroid, and some thought is that there are receptors in the brain that use the hormone to boost cognitive function.
Other DHEA Benefits
Besides the possible benefits above, DHEA may also help with the following:
- Boosted immunity
- Improved depression
- Increased energy
- Reduces risk of heart disease
Taking DHEA is a personal choice that should come with a doctor's recommendation. However, if you decide to discover DHEA's power, you may be surprised by how great you feel. DHEA comes in different forms including 7-keto DHEA, topical creams, and capsules.
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/dhea-and-health-more-questions-than-answers
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6119841/#:~:text=synthetase%20%5B23%5D.-,DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE%20AND%20ERECTILE%20DYSFUNCTION,in%20the%20process%20of%20erection.
- https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00100.2006
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/7-keto-dhea#metabolism
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4894834/