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DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that declines with age. It is sold as a nutritional supplement for various uses, but few studies have been performed to confirm its effectiveness. DHEA supplements can be dangerous and should be taken under the supervision of an endocrinologist. Patients should inform their healthcare providers of any supplements or medications they are taking.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands of both men and women. The function of this hormone in the body is not fully understood, although it is known to be a precursor to estrogen and testosterone, two important sex hormones. As with many other hormones, levels of this hormone change with age, with the body producing significant qualities starting at age seven and peaking in the mid-20s. As people age, their DHEA levels decline.
Several companies produce DHEA as a nutritional supplement, claiming it can be used in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, mood disorders and aging. This hormone has also historically been sold as a weight loss supplement and muscle building aid. The hormone is also used medicinally in patients with adrenal insufficiency to help their bodies maintain a normal hormone balance.
Because DHEA is in the public domain and cannot be patented, pharmaceutical companies are reluctant to research it. As a result, very few rigorous studies have been performed to explore the function of this hormone and to confirm or disprove claims of its use. This makes it difficult to determine whether or not the touted uses for the nutritional supplement are valid, especially since many claims make the mistake of confusing correlation with causality, assuming that decreasing DHEA levels with age must mean that the hormone it is involved in the aging process.
In fact, using DHEA supplements can be dangerous. This hormone has been linked to reproductive cancers and breast cancer, and taking hormone supplements can lead to a hormone imbalance in the body. Patients interested in using DHEA should do so under the supervision of an endocrinologist who will monitor hormone levels regularly to confirm that the dosage is appropriate, as well as screen the patient for early signs of developing side effects.
When using DHEA as a nutritional supplement, patients should also be sure to inform health care providers, as the use of any nutritional supplement or medication can vary one’s approach to diagnosis and treatment. Patients should be able to provide a list of all the substances they are taking, along with their dosages, and it may be helpful to keep a chart or write down medications on a medical fact sheet to ensure this data is helpful if a doctor is needed .
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