 DHEA Benefits & Side Effects
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 is DHEA, one of the main precursors of testosterone. After DHEA is made by these adrenal glands, it goes into the bloodstream and into our cells where it is converted into male hormones, known as androgens, and female hormones, known as estrogens. DHEA can also convert into progesterone or cortisol. Small amounts of DHEA are also made in the brain by neurons (brain cells).
Where does DHEA come from?
DHEA supplements are made commercially from a plant of the Dioscorea family (wild yams) found in abundance in Mexico. Extracts of this plant contain a steroidal saponin called diosgenin which may be converted in a laboratory by a series of 6 to 8 chemical reactions into DHEA. In the human body, DHEA is made from cholesterol. How much DHEA does our body make? Humans are thought to make between 10 and 15 mg of DHEA a day. These numbers are lower in women by about 10 to 20 %.
What is the role of DHEA in the human body?
DHEA is converted in the body to androgens (such as testosterone) and estrogens, thus influencing practically every organ and tissue in the body, including the brain. However, the physiological role of DHEA has been studied for over two decades and still eludes final clarification. What we know is that DHEA is secreted by the adrenal cortex, and it exerts its action either indirectly in peripheral tissues after its conversion to androgens and estrogens, or directly as a neurosteroid through the interaction with neuronal receptors.
What are the benefits of DHEA?
DHEA supplements help those who have adrenal deficiency and low levels of DHEA. The benefits from DHEA supplements (in those who are deficient) include improved sense of wellbeing, more alertness and stamina, and enhanced sexual interest and libido. Women who have low DHEA levels usually have low sex drive. Blood levels of all the steroid hormones that derive from DHEA metabolism are increased when people take DHEA supplements. This may lead to both beneficial and harmful effects.
What about DHEA side effects?
Individuals with normal levels of DHEA who take high doses are likely to get side effects. Common side effects caused by high doses of DHEA include:
- Acne - due to androgens
- Increased sweat odor and possible scalp itching
- Menstrual irregularities
- Irritability and restlessness - sometimes low doses can actually lead to calmness
- Hair thinning - androgenic hormones, such as DHEA, testosterone and androstenedione can cause hair thinning in susceptible individuals.
DHEA is likely to raise levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles. Too much DHT will lead to scalp hair loss in some individuals.
DHEA has not been tested in combination with other medicines, therefore little is known about drug/hormone interactions. High doses of DHEA may also cause heart palpitations or rhythm disturbances. High doses for prolonged periods could theoretically increase the risk for certain cancers such as breast cancer and prostate cancer.
High dosages of pregnenolone and DHEA, generally more than 10 mg, cause heart palpitations and irregular beats in some users. Although these hormones are available over the counter at 10, 25, 50, and even at 100 mg, the highest dose of these hormones sold over the counter should be no more than 5 or 10 mg. These hormones are much more powerful that people realize. Just because they are available over the counter does not mean they have been proven to be completely safe. TurboGenics AntiAging System contains 7 mg of of DHEA.
Do DHEA supplements suppress the adrenal gland's natural DHEA production?
The production of many hormones is controlled by a "feedback loop," which means that when hormone levels get too high, the body is told to make less, and when hormone levels are too low, the body is told to make more. Cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen are all regulated by this feedback. In other words, if a person takes cortisol, or a similar derivative such as prednisone, it will shut off the body's natural production. DHEA appears to be one of the exceptions. There doesn't seem to be a feedback mechanism for DHEA. In other words, DHEA supplements are not likely to stop the body's own production.
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