You've probably seen all the different types of supplements on the market that claim to slow down aging, increase sexual stamina, build muscle, and give your body a boost of energy. One of these that many people talk about, and you've probably heard of, is DHEA. But do these really provide as many benefits as they claim? Or are there serious risks that we don't know about? Okay, today we'll talk about these DHEA supplements in a simple and straightforward way.
First of all, what is DHEA?
Simply put, DHEA is a hormone that our bodies produce. Its full name is dehydroepiandrosterone. It is produced by the adrenal glands, which are located just above our kidneys.
Now you might be thinking, "If it's something that the body makes itself, why take it as a supplement?" That's a good question. Well, DHEA is a raw material that our bodies use to make the male and female sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen. In medicine, we call these "precursors." That is, the body takes DHEA and converts it into testosterone and estrogen as needed.
DHEA levels in the body typically peak in the mid-20s. Then, as we age, DHEA levels begin to decline. So, some people believe that taking DHEA supplements can help to compensate for this deficiency, help control the signs of aging, and increase energy.
Are these stories true? What is science?
While there is a lot of hype about DHEA supplements, there is very little scientific evidence for many of them. Let's take a look at each one.
Anti-Aging
Since DHEA levels decline with age, the main idea is that it can help slow down the aging process. While some small studies have shown some modest benefits, many similar studies have found no effect. Therefore, it is not currently accepted that DHEA can slow down aging. We also don't know for sure what the long-term effects of using it might be.
Other health conditions
Some studies have shown that DHEA may provide some relief for mild to moderate depression and skin health in older adults, but more research is needed.
However, there is no clear evidence that DHEA has any significant benefit for the following conditions:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Low bone density
- Heart disease
- Cervical cancer
- Crohn's disease
- Infertility
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Sexual dysfunction
Also, there is almost no scientific basis for claims that it improves memory or muscle strength, or strengthens the immune system.
The serious issue: risks and side effects of DHEA
Don't even think, "It's a hormone, so it's okay to take it as much as you want." DHEA is not something to play with. It can cause serious side effects because it changes the levels of testosterone and estrogen in your body.
| Type of side effect | Possible symptoms |
|---|---|
| Common side effects | Oily skin and acne, hair loss, stomach upset, extreme fatigue, high blood pressure, insomnia, headaches, irregular heartbeat, and adverse changes in cholesterol levels. |
| Specific effects on women | Facial hair growth, deepening of the voice (like a male voice), changes in the menstrual cycle. |
| Specific effects on men | Breast enlargement (Gynecomastia), testicular shrinkage, decreased sperm production. |
Does DHEA help with weight loss and sports?
Weight Loss
The 7-Keto form of DHEA is widely advertised as reducing body fat and increasing metabolism. However, the truth is that most studies have shown that DHEA has no significant effect on weight loss or increasing metabolism . So before spending money on something like this, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Athletic Performance
Because DHEA is a "prohormone" that can increase levels of steroid hormones like testosterone, some athletes use it to increase muscle strength.
But the truth is, there is no strong evidence that DHEA can increase muscle strength. In addition, major sports leagues such as the NFL and Major League Baseball have banned the use of DHEA.
The risks of using these substances are very high. They can lead to serious conditions such as uncontrolled anger or aggressive behavior ("roid rage"), high blood pressure, and liver damage.
Why is it important to talk to your doctor before taking DHEA?
If you're considering taking a DHEA supplement, it's important to talk to your doctor about it. There are several reasons for this:
- Serious medical conditions: Many of the things that are said about DHEA (like depression, heart disease) are serious conditions that should be properly diagnosed and treated by a doctor. It's dangerous to use anything you feel like using them for.
- Interactions with other medications: If you are taking medications for other conditions, DHEA may change the way those medications work.
- Cancer risk: Because DHEA increases hormone levels, it is particularly dangerous for people with hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer .
- Side effects: Don't underestimate the side effects we discussed above. These can have long-term effects on your life.
Remember, even a supplement can affect the body just like a medicine. So don't use anything without medical advice.
Take-Home Message
- DHEA is not a simple vitamin, it is a powerful hormone precursor that our body uses to make sex hormones.
- Many of the claims about DHEA, such as controlling aging and building muscle, lack strong scientific evidence.
- These can cause serious hormonal side effects, ranging from acne and hair loss to facial hair in women and breast enlargement in men.
- The use of DHEA has been banned by major sports associations.
- Most importantly: Do not use DHEA supplements without consulting your doctor for any reason. Don't risk your health.
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