|
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occuring substance
found in the body. DHE is produced in the adrenal gland, gonads and
brain. DHEA is a steroid hormone. DHEA and its metabolite
dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate or DHEAS are the major steroidal
products of the adrenal gland. It is important to know that leveles
of DHEA and DHEAS in the body decreases progressively from a peak at
age 25 to less than 20% of that peak before the age of 70. Further,
DHEA serum levels are typically low in chronic diseases, such as
cancer and AIDS.
Since DHEA is a natural hormone that
decreases as people get older many researchers believe that
restoring DHEA to higher levels may delay some of the effects of
aging. In the last few years, DHEA has also been touted to increase
the immune system’s function and restore mental ability. It has also
been studied for the treatment of conditions such as Addison's
disease, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome,
erectile dysfunction, depression, and Parkinson's disease. While
research continues for several of these indications, no definitive
results prove that DHEA is effective for these
conditions.
The most advanced scientific research concerning
DHEA has centered on treating systemic lupus erythematosus, an
autoimmune disease of connective tissue. Symptoms of systemic lupus
erythematosus include arthritis, fever, and rash. Systemic lupus
erythematosus can also affect the central nervous system and
internal organs like the kidneys. Because DHEA has shown
effectiveness in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, a
prescription form of DHEA may be close to approval by the Food and
Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of this
condition.
DHEA has also shown an anti-obesity effect in
several studies conducted in
animals.
Dosage
Who should and should
not use DHEA as a supplement is still very controversial. Some
health professionals believe that daily intakes of 5 to 15 mg of
DHEA for women and 10 to 30 mg for men are appropriate amounts for
people with deficient blood levels of DHEA or DHEAS. Some suggest
supplementation with as much as 50 mg per day in postmenopausal
women, while others consider this level to much. It is suggestd that
individual with perfect health and normal blood levels of DHEA or
DHEAS should not take this hormone until more conclusive research
has deterined its effects.
Note: DHEA
supplementation has been recommended to patients suffering from
depression, autoimmune diseases, or other problems, even if their
blood levels are normal.
|
