How much DHEA should you really be taking?
There is no standard dosage of DHEA. Some studies have used capsules dosed between 25 and 200 milligrams a day, or sometimes even higher, but it depends on the medical conditions being treated. Ask your doctor for advice. Can you get DHEA naturally from foods?
Does DHEA really work?
Taking a DHEA may help increase quality of life in people with adrenal insufficiency. Research has found that DHEA positively influences mood, subjective health status, and sexual health. A 2013 review of studies found that DHEA supplementation may lead to a small but significant improvement in the body composition of older men.
What are the side effects of taking DHEA?
- change in sex drive or performance
- headache
- loss of appetite
What are the common causes of elevated DHEA levels?
What do my DHEA test results mean?
- Normal DHEA level: Your adrenal glands are working well.
- High DHEA level: Your body is producing too much of the hormones. ...
- Low DHEA level: Your adrenal glands are not making enough of the hormones, which could be caused by damage to the adrenal glands or diseased pituitary glands.
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How does DHEA make you feel?
Most side effects are mild, like headache, fatigue, insomnia, and congestion. Because DHEA affects hormone levels, it can cause other symptoms. Women may have abnormal periods, acne, or mood changes. They might also take on masculine characteristics, such as facial hair or a deeper voice.
Should DHEA be taken in the morning or evening?
Talk to your doctor to find the right dose for you. Higher doses have been used to treat lupus. People with lupus should not take DHEA without first talking to their doctor. Your body makes DHEA primarily in the morning, so taking DHEA in the morning will mimic this natural rhythm.
Does DHEA make you hard?
DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION DHEA plays an important role in sexual function. Low levels of DHEA were associated with a higher risk for ED in men [30,31] and low sexual responsiveness in women [32]. It has also been speculated that DHEA plays a role in the process of erection.
How much DHEA should I 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. However, you should speak with your physician prior to using this supplement.
Is 100 mg of DHEA too much?
Some women can have changes in menstrual cycle, facial hair growth, and a deeper voice after taking DHEA. 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.
Does DHEA affect sleep?
During sleep, DHEA is low to reduce stimulation of the CNS, so sleep may occur. (DHEA is high during the day to maintain consciousness.) If the amount of DHEA during sleep is reduced too much during NREM sleep, negative phenomena may occur.
Does DHEA give you energy?
Some claims suggest supplementing DHEA for a variety of potential benefits. This includes increased bone density, muscle mass and energy, weight loss or reduced body fat, a higher sex drive, and better immune function. Most prominently, claims suggest DHEA can help slow down the aging process.
What happens when you take DHEA?
DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels. Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders. DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).
What are the symptoms of low DHEA?
Symptoms of low levels of DHEAS may include the following signs of an adrenal gland disorder: Unexplained weight loss. Nausea and vomiting. Dizziness....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.
Does DHEA raise estrogen?
DHEA produced a significant rise in androgens levels, whereas HRT did not. Moreover, DHEA alone induced a significantly lower increase in estrogens and beta-endorphin levels and a higher decrease in cortisol levels than HRT. DHEA and HRT also produced a significant similar increase in allopregnanolone levels.
How long should you take DHEA?
DHEA has been used safely for up to 2 years, usually in doses of 50 mg daily. DHEA side effects are usually mild and might include acne and upset stomach. DHEA is possibly unsafe when used in high doses or long-term. Do not use DHEA in doses higher than 50-100 mg daily or for a long period of time.
What are the side effects of taking too much 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.More items...•
Uses
Possible Benefits
- Despite the many claims about DHEA supplements, the evidence about its benefits is not conclusive. Here's a look at some of the available research.
Possible Side Effects
- Because DHEA is a hormone, it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. If not used under a doctor's care or if dosed incorrectly, DHEA can cause side effects that include: 1. Abdominal pain 2. Acne 3. Breast tenderness 4. Deepening of the voice in women 5. Facial hair growth 6. Fatigue 7. Greasy or oily skin 8. Hair loss 9. Heart palpitations 10. High bl…
Dosage and Preparation
- There is no recommended daily allowance for DHEA supplements. There is some evidence to recommend the following dosages for these specific conditions: 1. Aging skin:50 milligrams (mg) of DHEA taken by mouth daily for one year or a 1% DHEA cream applied to the face and hands twice daily for up to four months 2. Depression: 30 mg to 500 mg of DHEA ta...
Summary
- Low levels of DHEA, a hormone that turns into male and female sex hormones, is associated with a wide range of conditions including depression and menopause symptoms. Supplements can be made from a plant substance, but the benefits of these supplements are not well known. Your doctor may recommend using oral or topical treatments containing DHEA to help with depressio…