DHEA

Our bodies naturally produce the hormone DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, in the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys. Our bodies use DHEA to produce a number of other hormones, including the male and female hormones testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is the most abundant of all steroids. Cholesterol actually produces DHEA when the pituitary releases ACTH. DHEA is involved in the production of testosterone, estrogen, progesterone and coritcosteroids. The decline of DHEA parallels that of growth hormone. By the age of 65, the body produces only 10 to 20 percent of the DHEA that was first created at the age of 20.

There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
There is a lack of available studies on the long-term effects of DHEA. However, DHEA may cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, and theoretically may increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use without supervision by a licensed healthcare professional.

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• What does DHEA have to do with aging?

The levels of DHEA in our body peak in the 20s and then slowly begin falling as we age. It isn't clear why our body slows DHEA production, and doctors don't know what effect those falling DHEA levels have on our body.

Some people believe lower DHEA levels cause or contribute to aging, since the falling DHEA levels coincide with the decline in body functioning that's commonly seen in aging. Some people argue that low levels of DHEA may be the cause of some common age-related changes, such as decreasing muscle mass, decreasing bone density and declining ability of the immune system to fight disease. If these aging-related changes are due to declining DHEA levels, then taking DHEA supplements to maintain levels seen in younger people should slow the aging process. But there's no evidence to support this.

A Mayo Clinic study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006 examined DHEA supplements in older adults and found no benefits. The study lasted two years and compared a group of older adults who didn't take DHEA supplements with a group that did. DHEA levels went up in the group that took DHEA supplements. But there were no differences between the two groups in body composition, muscle strength, physical endurance, bone density, insulin sensitivity or quality of life. The study concluded that DHEA was not helpful as an anti-aging supplement

• Side Effects and Warnings

Few side effects are reported when DHEA supplements are taken by mouth in recommended doses. Side effects may include nausea, abdominal discomfort, fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, acne, or rapid/irregular heartbeats. In women, the most common side effects are abnormal menses, emotional changes, headache, and insomnia.

Individuals with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, blood clots or hypercoagulability, and those with a history of liver disease should avoid DHEA supplements. Because DHEA is a hormone related to other male and female hormones, there may be side effects related to its hormonal activities. For example, masculinization may occur in women, including acne, greasy skin, facial hair, hair loss, increased sweating, weight gain around the waist, or a deeper voice. Likewise, men may develop more prominent breasts (gynecomastia), breast tenderness, increased blood pressure, testicular wasting, or increased aggressiveness. Other hormonal-related side effects may include increased blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, altered cholesterol levels, altered thyroid hormone levels, and altered adrenal function. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, or other endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities. Serum glucose, cholesterol and thyroid levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare professional, and medication adjustments may be necessary. In theory, DHEA may increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer. DHEA may contribute to tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Other side effects may include insomnia, agitation, delusions, mania, nervousness, irritability, or psychosis. High DHEA levels have been correlated with Cushing's syndrome, which may be caused by excessive supplementation.

DHEA is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because DHEA is a hormone, it may be unsafe to the fetus or nursing infants