DHEA, dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone derived from cholesterol by the adrenal glands found on the kidneys. DHEA is also produced in the gonads, in fat cells and in the brain, but the majority is made by the adrenal glands. It is the most abundant hormone in the human body. DHEA is used by the body to make androstenedione, testosterone and estrogen. It is based on DHEA's role as a precursor for these hormones that it is used as a nutritional supplement.

DHEA is often referred to as the mother hormone because of its role as a precursor to so many other hormones. Claims have been made of its effectiveness in preventing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, lowering cholesterol levels, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's diseases, memory deficits, autoimmune diseases (including systemic lupus erythematosous), chronic fatigue, and osteoporosis. Natural production peaks in the mid-twenties and progressively declines as you age. By age 70, DHEA levels are only 10% of what they were at age 25. Blood and saliva tests are available to determine your DHEA levels.

DHEA is available over the counter as a nutritional supplement in strengths ranging from 10 mg to 50 mg. Commonly used strengths are 25 mg per day for women and 50 mg per day for men. Side effects associated with DHEA use usually involve its conversion to testosterone. These include oily skin, acne and masculization in women such as facial hair and deepening voice. Side effects are dose related and are not seen at the usual doses mentioned above.

Many doctors are opposed to the use of DHEA without medical supervision. Although animal and human studies conducted since the 1970's have demonstrated positive effects on heart disease in men, improved lean muscle mass and a general sense of "well-being" in both sexes, they have also demonstrated potentially increased risk of heart disease in older women. It is this conflicting information and the lack of scientific studies that has kept the medical community from recommending its use.

People interested in using DHEA should do so only after informing their doctor, use the lowest effective dose, 10mg to 25mg for women and 25mg for men, and monitor for side-effects including cholesterol levels and other side effects as mentioned above. The use of DHEA remains controversial despite evidence that it does have positive health benefits. Many claims are made for it as an "anti-aging" supplement, although these claims have not been proven scientifically. However, as is the case for many supplements, this is in part due to the lack of funding available for scientific research for unpatentable products that do not offer large profit opportunities.

Reference: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydroepiandrosterone.

PICK OF THE WEEK: DHEA SUPPLEMENTS HAVE BEEN USED TO IMPROVE A PERSON'S GENERAL SENSE OF WELL-BEING. THEY SHOULD BE USED ONLY WITH THE PRIOR KNOWLEDGE OF YOUR DOCTOR AND IN THE LOWEST EFFECTIVE DOSE. AVAILABLE AT 10% OFF THROUGH AUGUST 10, 2006 AT TAOS PHARMACY.

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