DHEA preparations - a means to prolong youth

The modern pace of life, poor ecology, poor quality nutrition, stress, as well as the desire to be young, healthy, strong and beautiful for as long as possible, force a person to look for additional sources of substances and energy necessary for the body. That is why millions of people around the world resort to the help of various dietary supplements that compensate for the deficiency of vitamins, minerals, amino acids and other components important for the normal functioning of the human body. We will talk about one of them today.

We present to your attention a product for prolonging youth, normalizing hormonal balance, reducing body fat and increasing muscle mass, strengthening the immune system, increasing bone strength, improving the condition of skin and hair - DHEA. In this article, you will learn what DHEA is responsible for, why you need to take medications with this hormone, what a lack and excess of this substance leads to, as well as which DHEA is better according to experts and ordinary consumers.

What is DHEA?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA) is a steroid hormone responsible for regulating most of the most important processes occurring in the human body. It is a substrate (the basis for the transformation) of hormones such as testosterone, dehydrotestosterone and estrogen, which affect not only the reproductive system, but also the general condition of a person (physical and emotional).

In the human body, DHEA is produced mostly in the adrenal glands, and to a lesser extent in the testes, ovaries and brain. The amount of hormone synthesized changes over the course of life. Studies show that the concentration of the hormone in the human body remains normal until 20-25 years. By age 50, most people's DHEA levels are less than half normal, and by age 70 they are no more than 20%.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-SO4) is an androgen, a male sex hormone that is present in the blood of both men and women. It plays an important role in the development of secondary male sexual characteristics at puberty and can be converted to testosterone and estradiol. DHEA-SO4 is produced by the adrenal cortex, its production is controlled by adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).

Women are recommended to take the test on the 8-10th day of the cycle.

Synonyms Russian

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, DHEA).

English synonyms

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, 5-Dehydroepiandrosterone (5-DHEA).

Research method

Competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Determination range: 0.1 - 5000 mcg/dl.

Units

µg/dL (micrograms per deciliter).

What biomaterial can be used for research?

Venous blood.

How to properly prepare for research?

• Do not eat for 2-3 hours before the test; you can drink clean still water.
• Stop taking steroid and thyroid hormones 48 hours before the test (in consultation with your doctor).
• Avoid physical and emotional stress 24 hours before the test.
• Do not smoke for 3 hours before the test.

General information about the study

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a male sex hormone (androgen) that is found in the blood of both men and women. It is involved in the formation of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty and can be converted by the body into more potent androgens (testosterone and androstenedione) and also converted into the female hormone estrogen. The production of DHEA-SO4 is controlled by pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), as well as other pituitary factors.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is an informative marker of adrenal function. Adrenal tumors and cancers, as well as adrenal hyperplasia, can lead to excess production of DHEA-SO4. In men, an increase in the level of this androgen sometimes goes unnoticed, while for women it is dangerous due to amenorrhea and masculinization.

Excess production of DHEA-SO4 in children contributes to precocious puberty in boys and ambiguous external genitalia, increased body hair and abnormal menstrual cycles in girls.

What is the research used for?

• To assess adrenal function.
• In order to distinguish diseases associated with the adrenal glands from diseases caused by dysfunction of the ovaries and testicles.
• To assist in the diagnosis of adrenal tumors, adrenal cancer, congenital or acquired adrenal hyperplasia and to distinguish these diseases from tumors and ovarian cancer.
• To aid in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome.
• To determine the causes of infertility, amenorrhea and hirsutism.
• To diagnose and clarify the causes of masculinization in girls, as well as premature puberty in boys.

When is the study scheduled?

• As a rule, together with tests for other hormones if there is a suspicion of excess (rarely deficiency) of androgen production or if it is necessary to check the functioning of the adrenal glands.
• For symptoms of amenorrhea, infertility or masculinization in women. In the latter case, there are signs such as a low voice, hirsutism (excessive hair growth), male pattern baldness, acne, enlarged Adam's apple, small breasts; in a girl, ambiguous genitals when the clitoris grows very large, while the internal female organs appear normal.
• When precocious puberty occurs in young boys, the voice deepens too early, pubic hair appears, muscles develop, and the penis increases in size.

What do the results mean?

Reference values

Acceptable levels of DHEA-SO4 and other androgens may indicate normal adrenal function. Much less often, the amount of DHEA-SO4 is normal in case of an adrenal tumor, but the hormone is not secreted. In polycystic ovary syndrome, DHEA-SO4 levels may be elevated or normal because the disease is usually associated with the production of androgens by the ovaries (mainly testosterone).

Elevated levels of DHEA-SO4 may indicate an adrenal tumor, cancer, or adrenal hyperplasia. It is not diagnostic of any specific disease, but it does indicate the need for further testing to determine the cause of the hormonal imbalance.

Low DHEA-SO4 levels are caused by adrenal dysfunction or hypopituitarism, disorders that cause decreased levels of pituitary hormones, which in turn regulate the production and secretion of hormones produced by the adrenal glands.

What can influence the result?

• In newborn babies, DHEA-SO4 levels are usually high. It drops sharply after birth and then increases during puberty. DEA-SO4 concentrations peak after puberty and then decrease with age.
• Taking dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplements leads to increased levels of this hormone in the blood.

Benefits of DHEA

Along with the reduction of DHEA, the production of testosterone and estrogen also decreases, which leads to a worsening of the condition and the appearance of age-related changes in the body. To prevent or slow them down, it is recommended to take drugs containing dehydroepiandrosterone, reviews of which you will find at the end of the page.

Taking DHEA allows you to:

• normalize hormone levels, alleviate menopause, normalize the menstrual cycle in women, eliminate symptoms of crisis in men, and also help improve the condition of other hormonal disorders;
• reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome;
• slow down the aging of the body (both external and internal);
• increase sensitivity to insulin, reduce the risk of developing diabetes;
• convert excess fat deposits into energy, reduce excess weight without feeling tired or lack of strength, normalize appetite (this is important, since hormonal imbalances can lead not only to obesity, but also to the opposite consequences - anorexia, dystrophy, etc.);
• prevent the destruction of muscle tissue, accelerate its growth and development, for which this hormone is popular among athletes and bodybuilders;
• reduce the risk of cancer;
• increase bone strength, increase osteoblast activity, prevent osteoporosis;
• improve hydration of skin and hair;
• strengthen immunity weakened by previous diseases, surgical interventions, etc.;
• eliminate chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression, improve mental activity, protect the brain from a number of degenerative diseases;
• reduce the likelihood of developing AIDS in infected people (the presence of this property is confirmed by research at the Texas Houston Institute of Immunology).

Deficiency and excess of DHEA

The lack of DHEA, reviews of drugs with which you can read on our website, is manifested by hormonal disorders, deterioration of well-being, mood swings and irritability. But since these symptoms can signal not only a deficiency of the hormone dehydrotestosterone, but also a number of other diseases, to determine the level of dehydrotestosterone, you must first consult a physician and take a blood test for DHEA-S. It is recommended to take this test on an empty stomach (only water is allowed on the day of blood donation), and a few days before the test, avoid eating fatty foods, alcohol-containing drinks, smoking tobacco and taking any hormonal medications. The latter should be reported to your doctor.

If a deficiency of the hormone dehydrotestosterone is detected, the specialist will recommend purchasing DHEA capsules or tablets to replenish it. A lack of DHEA can cause:

• dysregulation of the dilation and constriction of blood vessels, increasing the risk of hypertension, coronary heart disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes mellitus;
• memory impairment, the appearance and development of degenerative brain diseases, depression, anxiety, mental disorders;
• launching irreversible processes of premature aging of the body;
• decreased body defenses, increased risk of developing cancer, immune and other dangerous diseases;
• deterioration of metabolic processes, obesity;
• muscular dystrophy;
• hormonal imbalance.

Excess hormone, as studies have shown, does not have significant toxic or side effects. It is known that since DHEA is responsible for the synthesis of the hormone testosterone, long-term use of DHEA drugs in increased dosages in women may increase hair growth on the face and body. In men, due to an increase in estrogen, breast volume may increase. In addition, an excess of the hormone increases the production of sebum, and provokes the formation of acne and inflammation on the skin, and also leads to irritability and fatigue. There are no more serious side effects from an excess of the hormone.

Pathways and mechanisms of testosterone and estradiol formation from DHEA

Since DHEA is a “right shoulder” hormone, it is a building material for the synthesis of testosterone and subsequently estradiol.

In this regard, various side effects may occur, especially if there are any diseases of the ovaries/testicles and genetic characteristics of the conversion of testosterone to estradiol.

Let's look at the main options for women and men.

AMONG WOMEN:

✿ DHEA increases testosterone levels with normal or low estradiol. This condition occurs due to a deficiency of aromatase, an enzyme that ensures the process of converting one hormone into another. As a result, a woman develops hirsutism (increased hair growth), skin problems (acne), mood swings and disorders of body weight and carbohydrate metabolism. ⠀ ✿ DHEA increases estradiol levels with normal or low testosterone levels. This condition occurs due to excess aromatase production, which leads to estrogen dominance. As a result, the risks of benign formations (fibroids, fibrocystic mastopathy, endometriosis, adenomyosis, etc.) or malignant tissue degeneration (breast cancer, uterine cancer, etc.) increase.

FOR MEN:⠀

✿ DHEA increases testosterone levels with normal or low estradiol levels.
This can lead to a decrease in active sperm in the semen, which can lead to problems with conception (for many athletes). Also, excess testosterone contributes to a decrease in intelligence and an increase in self-confidence, which can lead to ignoring mistakes made. The risk of blood clots, heart failure, and heart attacks increases. In addition, high testosterone increases the risk of liver cancer due to the suppression of adiponectin by testosterone. ⠀ ✿ DHEA increases estradiol levels with normal or low testosterone levels. This can lead to gynecomastia (the appearance of breasts), female obesity (thighs, buttocks), decreased libido (and erectile dysfunction), and an increased risk of developing prostate adenoma and prostate cancer. If you already have the above problems converting DHEA into other hormones, using DHEA supplements will only worsen them, so a preliminary examination and consultation with a doctor or nutritionist is very important! ⠀

Why and when can you take DHEA?

The use of DHEA is necessary to compensate for the deficiency of this hormone and to help treat diseases associated with it. In addition, the drug DHEA can be prescribed:

• for autoimmune diseases, to increase immunity after serious illnesses, when infected with AIDS and HIV;
• to normalize the functioning of the adrenal glands;
• to improve the condition of older people, slow down age-related changes;
• to increase bone density, fight osteoporosis, reduce the risk of fractures in older people;
• to improve mental activity and psycho-emotional state.

Best DHEA Vitamins

There are a huge number of drugs with dehydrotestosterone, and when choosing, many people have a question - which one is better? To make it easier for you to choose, we have identified 3 drugs, which, according to experts and consumers, occupy leading positions among all dietary supplements with DHEA (you can see reviews of each of them in the card of the corresponding product). The TOP 3 included:

MRM DHEA, 50 mg, 90 Vegan Capsules / DHEA

DHEA dietary supplement 50 mg 90 vegan capsules with a high concentration of active substance, designed to compensate for severe dehydrotestosterone deficiency. Helps strengthen the immune system and increase bone strength, improves well-being, slows down the aging process, improves memory, attention, and helps fight depression.

NATROL DHEA 10 mg 30 tab

Dietary supplement DHEA 10 mg 30 tablets with a low dosage of the active substance, recommended for the prevention of dehydrotestosterone deficiency, slowing down aging and improving brain function, promotes weight loss. Thanks to the calcium it contains, it increases bone density and helps fight osteoporosis.

Best DHEA Supplements

Taking into account the specific use of DHEA, supplements with the substance are considered narrowly targeted, therefore not all brands produce them. One of the major brands that makes high quality DHEA vitamins is Natrol. Recommended supplements include:

• Natrol DHEA 25 mg is a classic supplement in a standard dosage. Available in packages of 90, 180 and 300 tablets. It has the best price-dosage ratio and is of high quality. The most profitable from a financial point of view is a package of 300 tablets, although the size of the package is usually selected according to the duration of the course;
• Natrol DHEA 10 mg is another supplement from the same brand with lower dosages. Convenient in cases where doctors prescribe 10 or 20 mg of the substance.

Instructions for use of DHEA

DHEA should be taken strictly according to the instructions and/or as prescribed by a specialist; it is usually recommended to drink 1 capsule once a day with meals. The dosage of the drug depends on the purposes for which it is taken. The initial (minimum) dosage for women is 5 mg, for men - 10. It is recommended for those who want to slow down aging and improve memory. For the treatment of diseases, the concentration of the substance is usually selected higher. The maximum recommended dose is 50 mg per day, prescribed by a specialist.

Contraindications

Despite the great benefits and easy tolerability of drugs with DHEA, instructions for use of which are in each pack, they still have contraindications for use. Dietary supplements with this hormone should not be taken for cancer or precancerous conditions (for example, dysplasia) of the ovaries, cervix and mammary glands in women, prostate glands in men, as well as low levels of HDL (“good” cholesterol).

During pregnancy and lactation, a doctor may prescribe a woman to take DHEA, but therapy in this case will be carried out under the strict supervision of a specialist. It is strictly prohibited to independently decide to take DHEA, like any other hormones, during pregnancy. It is necessary to use such dietary supplements with caution and under the supervision of a specialist for persons suffering from dysfunction of the adrenal glands and thyroid gland, as well as for young people under the age of 18 years.

Causes of High and Low DHEA

High levels of DHEA may occur in the following conditions:

1. Chronic daily stress (stress causes the release of DHEA and cortisol from your adrenal glands, a pattern of high DHEA and/or cortisol)
2. Post-traumatic stress disorder [1] (over time leads to high DHEA and low cortisol + impaired immune function).
3. Adrenal type of PCOS or mixed, where there is a hereditary component [3] .
4. Hyperprolactinemia (prolactin directly increases DHEA levels [2] ).
5. Benign or malignant formation in the adrenal glands
6. Increased sensitivity of receptors to DHEA and other androgens at the cellular level (your cells become hypersensitive to even normal levels of androgens; a pattern of both high DHEA and other androgens, and normal levels, which are accompanied by symptoms of hyperandrogenism). Although this process is not entirely understood, it is thought to be secondary to activation of the immune system and is observed in conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia [4] and androgenetic alopecia (hair loss) [5] .
7. Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia [6] (autosomal recessive genetic disorder that usually appears later in life; high levels of DHEA, 17-OH Progesterone + acne, hirsutism, alopecia and menstrual problems).

If you have high DHEA levels, the most important thing is to find the CAUSE and then target your treatment there.

Low DHEA levels are most often associated with:

• With adrenal exhaustion (Adrenal fatigue) . Chronic long-term stress and illness can lead to a decrease in DHEA, as well as a decrease in its synergistic twin, the other stress hormone cortisol.
• Other causes include: inflammation, allergies, autoimmune diseases, sexual dysfunction, infections, insomnia, CVD, depression and cancer.