Overview:
You may have heard of DHEA or its metabolite, DHEA sulfate. It is known for its positive effects on aging skin, for helping to boost testosterone, and to build muscle strength. Although these are some pretty impressive benefits, you may still not be quite sure what DHEA actually is.
DHEA or Dehydroepiandrosterone is a sulfated metabolite. DHEAS are one of the most abundant hormones in the human body. Like many other hormones, DHEA is primarily synthesized in the adrenal glands. DHEA is also synthesized in the brain, both male and female reproductive organs, and adipose tissue. The body makes DHEA using the precursor pregnenolone, another naturally occurring steroid hormone derived from cholesterol.
While there is limited research about DHEA and its various functions, it is understood that the DHEA produced by the body is used to synthesize androgens, such as testosterone and estrogen, in the form of estradiol. This is important because both testosterone and estrogen play vital roles in sexual function, energy, and the maintenance of healthy bones and muscle.
DHEA or Dehydroepiandrosterone is a sulfated metabolite. DHEAS are one of the most abundant hormones in the human body. Like many other hormones, DHEA is primarily synthesized in the adrenal glands. DHEA is also synthesized in the brain, both male and female reproductive organs, and adipose tissue. The body makes DHEA using the precursor pregnenolone, another naturally occurring steroid hormone derived from cholesterol.
While there is limited research about DHEA and its various functions, it is understood that the DHEA produced by the body is used to synthesize androgens, such as testosterone and estrogen, in the form of estradiol. This is important because both testosterone and estrogen play vital roles in sexual function, energy, and the maintenance of healthy bones and muscle.
Causes of low DHEA levels:
1. Age
Although there is limited research on the topic of DHEA, we know that DHEA levels decrease as we age, which is why it is often referred to as the “hormone of youth.” As we get older, DHEA levels can drop to as low as 10 to 20% of levels found in younger individuals. A study conducted using samples from 412 male and 395 female healthy blood donors found that DHEA levels peaked at age 20 to 29 years old in men and 17 to 19 years old in women, at which point they began declining linearly with age. However, female samples showed a slight increase between ages 35 to 44, likely due to the onset of perimenopause, where menopausal symptoms began to present themselves, after which the decline was more rapid.
2. Illness or Injury
Both critical illness and physical injury such as burns have been linked to a reduction in DHEA and DHEAS levels. A study that assessed DHEA levels in men following the occurrence of severe burn injury found that by the tenth day, those who had suffered severe burn injuries had significantly lower DHEA levels than healthy men. A replication study involving both male and female burn victims also found similar results.
Possible Side Effects of DHEA Supplementation
Research suggests that supplemental DHEA may be taken safely however, since DHEA can elevate testosterone and/or estrogen, the most common side effects can include:
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