DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid, a type of hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands, as well as by the brain and skin. It is the most abundant steroid in the human body, and it is the precursor to all adrenal hormones, which start to decline in both men and women at around the age of 25. DHEA production declines with age in such a consistent linear fashion that one’s blood level of the hormone is often used as a bio-marker for aging. Since the body converts DHEA into all the other adrenal hormones, when DHEA levels begin to decline, so do the levels of these other hormones. Thus it is recommended for those over 45.

there's evidence that DHEA can effect platelet aggregation, preventing platelets from clumping to form blood clots. DHEA also lowers blood cholesterol dramatically.

=Recommended Doses= Inconclusive. Some sources recommend 50-100mg/day, others to not exceed 5mg/day, and still others to be taken every other day so as to continue encouraging natural production.

=Excess= Women: Facial Hair - In extremely high pharmacological doses. (6-8g./day) Acne

Both are eliminated upon lowering dosage

=Possible Therapeutic Indications= -Memory -Adrenal Problems -Libido Enhancement -Vitality (Protects mitochondria) -Depression -Menopause, Osteoporosis -Lupus -Addison's Dis-ease -Stress (neurocrine which protects the hippocampus)

=Risks=

Not recommended for
-Individuals under the age of 30 years as it may inhibit natural production -pregnant or breast-feeding women -individuals with hormone-dependent conditions such as breast cancer or prostate cancer -Anyone with liver conditions

Potential Side Effects
Major side effects can include: -Decreased HDL cholesterol -Depression or overexcitement -High blood pressure -Insulin sensitivity changes -Liver dysfunction

Less severe side effects may include: -Abdominal pain -Acne -Deepened voice in women -Insomnia -Menstrual changes

= = =Sex and DHEA= Taking DHEA supplements may significantly increase sex drive. May also increase ability to achieve erection, particularly in cases of chronic impotence.

DHEA is converted into testosterone, which is known to enhance libido in both men and women. This helps to explain why so many people report heightened sexual desire after they begin taking DHEA supplements. But there may be more to DHEA’s enhancement of sexual desire and performance than simply raising testosterone levels. Because taking DHEA raises the levels of all adrenal hormones, it tends to make people feel more energetic, and enhances feelings of well-being in general. It also tends to improve overall heath, and anything that improves physical health and well-being is likely to reflect positively on one’s sexual health as well.

David Jay Brown’s interview with Dr. William Regelson, a DHEA researcher is available [|here].