What Is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone which is produced by your body’s adrenal glands which are just above the kidneys. The DHEA supplements can be made up from soy or wild yam. The Scientists have not uncovered everything about DHEA. But still, they suggest that it can function as a precursor to sex hormones including the estrogen and testosterone. The substances which are converted by the body into hormones is called as Precursors. Though in most people the production gradually declines as the age increases. DHEA productions will be the peak in the mid-20s. Generally, the production of testosterone and estrogen also declines with age. This supplement can increase levels of the hormones that is the reason many claims have been declared about their potential health benefits.Those claims are such as:
- Building up adrenal gland
- Strengthening immunity system
- Slowing down the natural changes in body which come with age
- Providing the more energy
- Improving the mood and memory
- Building the bones and muscle strength
DHEA Supplements as Anti-Aging
For the reason, DHEA level declines with age some of the researchers theorize that DHEA supplements would help to fight your aging and it would supplement your levels of hormones. While some of the small studies have reported the positive effects on this. Some of the studies have reported no effect at all on anti-aging.DHEA Supplements for Health Conditions
While much more research is needed to support this statement, the DHEA supplements show some promising ease to moderate the depression. Both NIH and National Standard say that there is no clear evidence whether DHEA will have any significant benefit in treating other conditions such us:- The Alzheimer’s disease
- Low bone density
- Heart disease
- Cervical cancer
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome)
- Crohn’s disease
- Infertility
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual dysfunction
Safety of DHEA Supplements
Some of the possible side effects of DHEA supplements includes:- Oily skin, acne, skin thickening
- Hair loss
- Stomach upset
- High blood pressure
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Facial hair in women
- Deepening of the voice in women
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Headache
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia
- Unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels
DHEA and Weight Loss
The 7-Keto is a version of DHEA Supplement which has been vastly promoted as an assistance for reducing fat and raising metabolism. The whole idea is that the leaner body tissue and higher metabolism will burn the calories in an efficient way. Which will make it easier not only to lose the weight then also to maintain it. Unluckily, most of the studies shown little effect of DHEA in losing weight and increasing the metabolism. The better idea would be talking to your doctor or nutritionist before taking a step ahead with DHEA supplement as a weight loss aid.
DHEA and Athletic Performance
DHEA Supplements are used by athletes sometimes since it is claimed that it helps in improving muscle strength and it can also enhance the performance of the athlete. There is very little proof to point out that DHEA has any result on enhancing muscle strength. Its use is illegal by sports organizations like the National league, majors Baseball, and therefore the National body Athletic Association.
There are many risks of the pre-steroid enhancer. That means the higher dosage will result in greater risk. The side effects for the same includes:
- A permanent stunting of growth
- Aggressive behavior
- Mood swings and other psychological symptoms
- High blood pressure
- Liver problems
- Changes in cholesterol level
- Change in Voice
- Hair loss
- Growth in facial hair
- Breast enlargement
- Shrunken testicles
- Reduction in sperm production
