ART###A number of studies have found that DHEA supplements may
help people with depression, obesity, lupus, and adrenal insufficiency. DHEA may also improve skin in older people and help treat osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and some psychological conditions.
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On top of everything, is DHEA safe to take daily?
It's best to speak with a physician before beginning to take a DHEA supplement. Summary: A common daily dose is 25–50 mg. This dosage has been safely used for up to two years without severe side effects.
At the least, what is DHEA and what is its purpose? Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
Further to this, why is DHEA banned?
As oral DHEA administration can lead to dose-dependent increases in circulating androgens, which may reach high supraphysiologic levels in women, it has been included in the list of prohibited substances by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
What are the negative side effects of DHEA?
Possible side effects of DHEA supplements can include:
- Oily skin and acne, as well as skin thickening.
- Hair loss.
- Stomach upset.
- High blood pressure.
- Changes in menstrual cycle.
- Facial hair in women.
- Deepening of the voice in women.
- Fatigue.
24 Related Questions Answered
Your body can transform DHEA into testosterone. Taking a DHEA may increase your testosterone levels. A 2013 study found that taking 50 milligrams (mg) of DHEA per day raised the free testosterone levels of middle-aged adults undergoing high-intensity interval training.
May increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer and malignant melanoma or other hormonally-affected cancers. Hormonal side effects can be significant, including acne, skin changes, excess hair or hair loss, increased sweating, and weight gain.
For example, research has shown that regular moderate cardiovascular activity, such as briskly jogging for 30 minutes, and performing resistance exercises such as squats can increase DHEAS levels over time for women of all ages and activity levels.
It is recommended that DHEA supplementation be discontinued once you are pregnant. At CHR, patients are instructed to stop taking DHEA after the second positive pregnancy test, i.e., rising hCG levels.
A low level of DHEA-S might mean: A damaged adrenal gland. Addison's disease, a rare condition that causes weak muscles, lack of energy, weight loss, and low blood pressure. Hypopituitarism, a rare hormonal disease that can lead to tiredness, low sex drive, infertility, weight loss, and short height in children.
Although the DHEA dosage varies by the specific need and formula, the typical daily dose is approximately 50–100 mg by mouth (NIH, 2020). DHEA supplements are potentially unsafe if you use them for longer than two years or take more than 100 mg per day.
DHEA increases estrogen levels in the body. By increasing estrogen in the body, DHEA might decrease the effectiveness of tamoxifen (Nolvadex). Do not take DHEA if you are taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex).
Using vaginal inserts containing DHEA can reduce pain during sex by up to 15% after menopause. A prescription DHEA product is available for this condition.
Your body makes DHEA primarily in the morning, so taking DHEA in the morning will mimic this natural rhythm.
How long does it take for DHEA to work? This one of the most common questions that I receive from women about DHEA supplementation or any hormone replacement. Of course, we all want a quick fix, but I coach women to give DHEA supplementation around 3 months, or three full menstrual cycles, to observe any changes.
DHEA administration induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, whereas all other sleep variables remained unchanged compared with the placebo condition.
Some evidence shows that DHEA increases libido and helps treating erectile dysfunction in men. DHEA can lead to improved libido as it may increase your free testosterone levels. Studies have shown that taking high doses improves erectile dysfunction by stimulating blood vessels to open wider for improved blood flow.
Controlled drug But Health Canada says on its website that DHEA, also known as prasterone, "can cause higher than normal levels of female and male hormones in the body and could increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers."
But guided and appropriate supplementation may help raise your testosterone levels. One study researched the effects of a magnesium and zinc supplement. It found that men who received 30 milligrams of zinc per day showed increased levels of free testosterone in their bodies.
"Typically, weightlifters take 500-1200 mg a day.
Symptoms of low levels of DHEAS may include the following signs of an adrenal gland disorder:
Unexplained weight loss.
Nausea and vomiting....
Other symptoms of low DHEAS are related to aging and may include:- Decreased sex drive.
- Erectile dysfunction in men.
- Thinning of vaginal tissues in women.
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A randomized study is to learn more about how a supplement called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) affects clotting factors in women taking combined oral contraceptive pills. Current research suggests that the progestin hormone in a specific type of birth control pill may increase a woman's blood clot risk.
DHEA is often touted as an anti-aging therapy, used to ward off chronic illness and improve physical performance. However, most research doesn't back up these claims.
Ashwagandha intake was associated with an 18% greater increase in DHEA-S (p = . 005) and 14.7% greater increase in testosterone (p = . 010) compared to the placebo. There were no significant between-group differences in cortisol and estradiol.
DHEA has not been shown to be of value in healthy people. It does not boost the immune system, nor does your immune system appear to need boosting. DHEA is neither safe nor effective, except in certain medical conditions, none of which I see evidence of in you.
In women, normal levels in 18- and 19-year-olds range from 145 to 395 micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL), before declining. In your 20s, DHEAS levels range between 65 and 380 mcg. For 30-something women, normal levels range from 45 to 270 mcg/dL, with levels further dropping to 32 to 240 mcg/dL in your 40s.
DHEA Decreases Total Body Fat Other studies indicate that, when taken as a supplement and used in conjunction with adequate exercise, DHEA may also help decrease total body fat and reduce body weight, particularly in men in andropause.
DHEA is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses or long-term. Do not use DHEA in doses higher than 50-100 mg a day or for a long period of time. Using higher doses or using for a long time period can increase the chance of potentially serious side effects.