An Important Hormone with Potential Health Benefits
DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone that is produced naturally in the body. DHEA levels peak when we are in our 20s and 30s, and then steadily decline as we age.
Supplementing with DHEA has become popular due to some of its touted health benefits, which include:
- Improving mood and well-being - Some research shows DHEA supplements may help alleviate symptoms of depression and improve perception of well-being, especially in older adults or those with adrenal insufficiency. More research is still needed though.
- Boosting immune function - Early evidence suggests DHEA may help stimulate the immune system. It's being investigated for supporting immune health in the elderly and those with autoimmune diseases.
- Increasing libido and sexual function - DHEA has been used to improve libido and sexual satisfaction, particularly in postmenopausal women. But study results are mixed.
- Building muscle mass - As a precursor to testosterone and estrogen, DHEA shows some potential for increasing muscle mass and strength when combined with exercise, mostly in older adults. But more research is warranted.
- Enhancing cognitive function - Some promising research indicates DHEA supplementation may improve aspects of cognitive function like working memory and attention, especially those with adrenal insufficiency or psychiatric disorders. But results so far are preliminary.
- Alleviating menopause symptoms - DHEA has shown promise in relieving hot flashes, irritability, breast tenderness, and other menopausal symptoms. But study results are conflicting, so more research is still underway.
Despite some promising findings, DHEA supplements can also have side effects like acne, hair loss, and facial hair growth when taken in high doses. They may also interfere with certain medications.
As with any supplement, it's best to consult your healthcare provider before taking DHEA to discuss whether it's appropriate for your individual health needs and at what dosage. More research is still underway to fully validate many of the proclaimed benefits of DHEA supplementation.