DHEA, a hormone produced in the adrenal glands, declines with age and may be associated with age-related ailments. DHEA supplementation has mixed results, with some positive benefits seen in depression, adrenal insufficiency, and lupus. DHEA acts as a cortisol antagonist and may relieve mild to moderate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Low DHEA levels have been found to correspond to high cortisol levels. DHEA supplementation may have potential side effects, including lower levels of good cholesterol and increased risk of certain hormone-sensitive cancers.
A hormone produced in the adrenal glands, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) also forms the basis of the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. DHEA production is highest in the 20s and begins to decline thereafter. By age 70, DHEA levels are only about 20% of what they were in a person’s youth. This has led some researchers to believe that low DHEA levels may be associated with many age-related ailments, including loss of muscle mass, memory and bone density. Study results of DHEA supplementation are mixed, with some positive benefits seen in the areas of depression, adrenal insufficiency, and lupus.
In some countries, DHEA is available as a dietary supplement and is sold over the counter. Elsewhere, it can only be acquired with a prescription. It is widely promoted as a way to combat the effects of aging, but clinical studies generally do not support most of these DHEA claims. Supplementation has been found to increase blood levels of DHEA in some anti-aging studies, but no corresponding improvements have been seen in age-related conditions.
DHEA acts as a cortisol antagonist. Counteracts the effects of cortisol, a stress hormone produced by the adrenal gland. This hormone is partially responsible for the flight or flight effect and causes blood sugar and blood pressure to rise, while simultaneously suppressing the immune system and bone formation. Excessive and prolonged stress causes chronically high levels of cortisol. This, in turn, leads to blood sugar imbalances, decreased bone density and muscle mass, accumulation of abdominal fat, and impaired mental functioning.
Low DHEA levels have been found to correspond to high cortisol levels, while high DHEA levels correlate to low cortisol levels. This antagonistic relationship with cortisol is an evolving area of depression research. Studies show that DHEA appears to relieve mild to moderate symptoms of depression in some patients. There is also evidence that DHEA can help with anxiety. DHEA is thought to be neurologically active and may stimulate an increase in the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Research has found low levels of DHEA in patients with severe kidney disease, type 2 diabetes, AIDS, impaired adrenal function, and other chronic diseases. Some research shows positive results using DHEA to treat adrenal insufficiency and lupus. There has also been research supporting the use of DHEA for obesity.
Despite the promotion of DHEA for certain purposes, studies of its effects have been inconclusive or show no benefit for a variety of conditions. Findings from bone density, chronic fatigue syndrome, and sexual functioning studies are unclear. Preliminary studies have shown DHEA to have some benefit for schizophrenia and as a topical application to treat aging skin, but more testing is needed to confirm the initial results. No benefits have been found for increased muscle strength, memory, or immune functioning.
Potential side effects of DHEA supplementation include lower levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), considered the good cholesterol, increased facial hair in women, and the development of acne. Research continues into the effects of long-term use of the hormone, as there is a suspected link between DHEA supplementation and liver damage. It can also cause an increased risk of certain hormone-sensitive cancers. Additionally, supplementing with DHEA can further reduce the body’s production of the hormone.
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