DHEA Benefits and Side Effects

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone known as DHEA. It has been used to adjust age related issues in animals and is known to boost certain components associated with the immune system in mice, and also helping prevent several types of cancers. During clinical studies, DHEA in older individuals showed improvement in muscle growth, however other studies performed did not agree with the results. There are certain people that believe that DHEA improves energy levels and immunity, while increasint muscle strength, and cutting down on body fat. You should be aware though that there is a lack of research as of today that supports claims like these, or provide valid information that DHEA administration is a safe option.

DHEA works by traveling though your blood in a special type of form known as ‘DHEA sulfate’. This form then turns into DHEA as it enters a cell. Younger people usually experience high levels of DHEA sulfate however, it usually drops as we age. DHEA is changed by an individual’s body into 2 additional hormones: Testosterone and Estrogen. If you plan on taking DHEA supplements, you should be aware of that they can result in production of these 2 hormones in large amounts, which could be a dangerous situation. Naturally made testosterone in both men and women are important when it comes to breast and prostate cancer(s). Based on the experts opinion, it isn’t known whether or not DHEA supplements will increase the risk of cancer development.

For more information on DHEA and the Growth Hormone, visit:

www.nia.nih.gov