DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone that is produced naturally in the human body. DHEA is considered a "prohormone" because it can be converted into other hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
DHEA levels peak in your 20s and decline with age. By the time you are 70-80 years old, your DHEA levels may only be 10-20% of what they were in your youth. This age-related decline in DHEA has led some to believe that supplementing with DHEA could help slow aspects of aging.
What does DHEA do in the body?
Some key functions of DHEA include:
| Function |
Description |
| Sex hormone production |
DHEA is converted into testosterone and estrogen, which regulates libido and sexual function. |
| Bone density |
DHEA may help increase bone mineral density and prevent osteoporosis, especially in older women. |
| Muscle mass |
As a precursor to testosterone, DHEA may help build lean muscle mass when paired with strength training. |
| Mood and cognitive function |
DHEA is involved in producing other hormones/neurotransmitters that influence mood, depression, and memory. |
| Immune function |
DHEA levels are associated with immune system health. Supplementing with it may enhance immunity. |
| Heart health |
DHEA may help lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol and triglycerides. |
Should you take a DHEA supplement?
Since DHEA declines with age, some people take
DHEA supplements to try to slow aging or boost energy. However, the benefits of supplementation are still unclear.
Potential
side effects of DHEA supplementation can include:
- Acne
- Hair loss
- Facial hair growth in women
- Testicular shrinkage in men
- Mania
- Altered cholesterol levels
- Impact on hormone-sensitive conditions
Talk to your doctor before beginning DHEA supplementation, especially if you have any medical conditions.
Balance Clinic can provide advanced testing and personalized consultation about whether DHEA supplementation is right for your unique hormonal needs. Their physicians specialize in natural hormone balancing, using DHEA only when appropriate to help you feel your best at any age.
How much DHEA should you take?
Experts disagree on the ideal DHEA dosage. If used, the typical dose ranges from 25-200 mg per day in divided doses, but lower doses of 10-25 mg are likely safer to start.
Blood testing is important to dial in the optimal DHEA amount for your body.
Since DHEA can convert into estrogen or testosterone, the proper dose depends on your age, sex, hormone levels, and needs. Again, work closely with a doctor who specializes in hormone therapy, like those at
Balance Clinic, to determine if DHEA could benefit you and find the right amount.
Conclusion
In summary, DHEA is an important hormone that declines naturally with age. Supplementing with it may offer benefits for hormone balance, sexual function, muscle gain, mood, immunity, heart health, and more. However, the risks and ideal dosage are unclear. Work with a qualified hormone specialist to decide if DHEA supplementation makes sense for your individual needs. Specialists at
Balance Clinic can provide cutting-edge testing and therapies to help you optimize your DHEA levels and feel your best at any age.