Full Answer
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?
What is the recommended dosage of DHEA?
Recommended dose In the scientific literature, the typical dose of DHEA is either 50 or 100 mg per day. This should serve as a good jumping-off point for dosing DHEA if you choose to supplement with it. Higher doses could cause problems, such as the case report mentioned above, so it’s best not to exceed 100 mg per day.
Does DHEA really make you grow?
Summary: Although DHEA supplements can increase testosterone levels in the body, they do not typically increase muscle size or strength. Its Effect on Fat Burning Is Unclear
What are the pros and cons of DHEA for women?
What are the risks of taking DHEA?
- Side effects. Most side effects are mild, like headache, fatigue, insomnia, and congestion. Because DHEA affects hormone levels, it can cause other symptoms. ...
- Risks. Using high doses of DHEA may not be safe. ...
- Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using DHEA supplements. ...
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How many mg of DHEA should a woman take?
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.
What does DHEA do for women?
For starters, DHEA supplements may improve the function of the ovaries in women with impaired fertility. In fact, it increased the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 25 women experiencing fertility problems ( 36 ).
Is 50 mg DHEA too much?
Do not use DHEA in doses higher than 50-100 mg daily or for a long period of time. Using higher doses or using it long-term can increase the risk of serious side effects including cancer. When applied to the skin: DHEA is possibly safe when used appropriately. DHEA cream has been used safely for up to 1 year.
Is 100 mg DHEA too much?
According to the NIH, DHEA is probably safe to take at regular doses (50 mg per day) for less than two years; it is possibly unsafe if taken at higher doses or for more extended periods (MedlinePlus, 2021). Most side effects of DHEA supplements are mild and can include acne and an upset stomach.
How do I know if my DHEA is low?
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.
How much DHEA should a menopausal woman take?
Menopausal symptoms. Some research suggests that taking 10-25 mg of DHEA by mouth daily for 12 months reduces symptoms, including hot flashes.
Is 5 mg of DHEA enough?
Some experts believe that daily intakes of 5–15 mg of DHEA for women and 10–30 mg for men are appropriate amounts for people with deficient blood levels of DHEA or DHEAS. While a few researchers suggest supplementation with as much as 50 mg per day in postmenopausal women,2 others consider this level excessive.
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.
Does DHEA increase testosterone in females?
Since DHEA can increase the level of both testosterone and estrogen, women who use DHEA can sometimes experience such side effects as: Voice changes. Hair loss.
Does DHEA reduce belly fat?
The decrease in visceral fat relative to initial values averaged 10.2% in the women and 7.4% in the men. The DHEA therapy also resulted in a significant decrease in abdominal subcutaneous fat, averaging approximately 6% in both the men and women.
Can you take DHEA and estrogen together?
Don't use DHEA with estrogen. Combining DHEA and estrogen might cause symptoms of excess estrogen, such as nausea, headache and insomnia.
Can DHEA make you lose weight?
DHEA is neither a weight-loss pill nor a hormonal fountain of youth but it can contribute to weight management and may emerge as a way to help control some of the effects of middle-age weight gain.
What is the normal DHEA level for women in their 20s?
DHEA levels begin to naturally decline by the age of 30. While normal levels for women in their 20s fall between 65 and 380 µg/dL, for women in their 30s and 40s, the average normal range is 45 to 270 and 32 to 240 µg/dL, respectively. By the time women are in their 70s, their DHEA levels are roughly 20 percent of what they were at age 20.
What is DHEA level?
Learn More. DHEA level refers to the hormone concentration by volume in the bloodstream. According to the National Institutes of Health, normal blood levels of DHEA depend on age, and within each age group there is a significant range. For women, DHEA levels tend to peak during late adolescence, when the normal blood concentration ranges ...
What is DHEA hormone?
DHEA. DHEA is a hormone manufactured in the adrenal glands of both men and women. The steroid precursor to sex hormones, DHEA metabolizes cholesterol to create androgens and estrogens. DHEA is a component of your body’s endocrine system, and part of a complex balance of hormones affected by diet, stress, reproductive status and age.
What is the purpose of laboratory tests to determine if DHEA levels fall within the normal range?
Laboratory tests to determine whether DHEA levels fall within the normal range are performed as part of an assessment of adrenal gland function.
What is the mother hormone of estrogen?
Written by Helen Anderson. 18 December, 2018. Dehydroepiandrosterone, known as DHEA, has been termed the “mother” hormone for its vital role in creating androgens and estrogens 3. Normal levels of DHEA depend on age and sex, and women tend to have lower amounts than men.
What causes DHEA levels to drop?
Certain conditions may contribute to lower-than-normal DHEA levels. Anorexia, type 2 diabetes, end-stage kidney disease and AIDS are associated with decreases in DHEA. Additionally, a number of medications, such as:
Where is DHEA produced?
DHEA is a hormone manufactured in the adrenal glands of both men and women. DHEA is a component of your body’s endocrine system, and part of a complex balance of hormones affected by diet, stress, reproductive status and age.
What does DHEA mean for women?
DHEA for Women. DHEA is a key component in hormonal balance and feeling centered and clear-headed. Consequently, low levels of DHEA can present as general feeling of malaise, extreme fatigue, lowered immunity, and number of other symptoms. That being said, it’s important to understand the role of DHEA for women and how it relates ...
What Is DHEA?
Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly referred to as DHEA, is a natural steroid made from cholesterol and secreted by adrenal glands. It’s also a precursor for women’s sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and is known as a feel-good hormone.
What Is the Connection Between DHEA for Women and Adrenal Glands?
That being said, when a woman is under chronic personal or professional pressure, adrenal glands are forced to respond by pumping out high levels of stress hormones and cortisol.
What does DHEA do to the body?
DHEA in women plays a critical role in producing adequate amounts of the right hormones to maintain homeostasis and harmony within the body . When a person experiences adrenal exhaustion and decreased DHEA, she can present with extreme fatigue, decrease in muscle mass, decrease in bone density, depression, joint pain, loss of libido, ...
How to treat adrenal fatigue and DHEA?
The first step to addressing low levels of DHEA and adrenal fatigue is to seek attention from a qualified physician. He will assess your symptoms and perform the appropriate testing (saliva adrenal profiles and adrenal panel blood testing) and, if indicated, will prescribe pharmaceutical-grade DHEA supplementation as well as lifestyle modifications and nutritional support.
How low is DHEA?
As cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center, a DHEA supplement is not recommended for persons under the age of 40, unless their DHEA levels are low. In women, levels below 130 mg/dl are considered low, and levels below 180 mg/dl are considered low in men.
What is DHEA supplement?
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced by the body and secreted by the adrenal glands. DHEA functions as a biological precursor to androgens and estrogens, the male and female sex hormones. DHEA levels in the body decline ...
Why do people use DHEA?
People often use DHEA to slow the aging process, improve cognition and delay the progression of Alzheimer's disease, notes the National Institutes of Health. Athletes use the hormone to increase their energy and muscle mass, but its use is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, as of 2010. Others may use the hormone ...
Is DHEA a good treatment for depression?
With conditions like depression, for which DHEA appears to be a promising treatment, the clinic notes that further studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of DHEA. As is the case with any supplement, it is important to talk with your doctor if you decide to begin a regimen of synthetic DHEA.
Does DHEA cause memory loss?
DHEA levels in the body decline after the age of about 25, and lower levels of the hormone have been associated with osteoporosis, heart disease, memory loss and breast cancer, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. As such, people often look to augment their levels of the hormone with supplements.
Is DHEA a promising supplement?
With conditions like depression, for which DHEA appears to be a promising treatment, the clinic notes that further studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of DHEA. As is the case with any supplement, it is important to talk with your doctor if you decide to begin a regimen of synthetic DHEA. Advertisement.
Can DHEA cause headaches?
Side Effects. According to Mayo Clinic, side effects are generally few if you take a DHEA supplement in the recommended dose. If you take a higher than recommended dose, you may experience fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, acne and irregular heartbeat.
What is DHEA used for?
People use DHEA as an anti-aging therapy and to improve physical performance. DHEA is also used to treat depression and symptoms of menopause.
What drugs can be used with DHEA?
Antipsychotics. Use of DHEA with antipsychotics such as clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz, others) might reduce the drug's effectiveness. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, others). Use of DHEA with this drug used to treat seizures, nerve pain and bipolar disorder might reduce the drug's effectiveness. Estrogen.
Can DHEA cause manic symptoms?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Use of DHEA with this type of antidepressant might cause manic symptoms.
Does DHEA cause hair growth?
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).
Does DHEA cause cancer?
DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA.
Does DHEA help with depression?
A small study suggested that taking DHEA supplements might improve skin hydration and firmness, and decrease aging spots in elderly adults. Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating depression than placebo, especially in people with low DHEA levels. Osteoporosis.
Does DHEA help with aging?
Aging. In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-being, cognitive function and body composition. But so far research hasn't proved this to be true.
How long can you take DHEA?
Generally, DHEA supplements have been safely used in studies for up to two years without severe side effects ( 26, 47 ).
What percentage of women were fertilized after DHEA?
These women underwent IVF before and after DHEA treatment. After treatment, the women produced more eggs and a higher percentage of eggs were fertilized — 67% , versus 39% before treatment.
What is DHEA hormone?
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone that’s produced by your body. Some of it is converted into the major male and female sex hormones testosterone and estrogen ( 1. Trusted Source. ). Its effects can be driven by the actions of testosterone and estrogen after this conversion occurs, as well as by the DHEA molecule itself ( 2.
How much does DHEA decrease as you age?
In fact, it’s estimated that DHEA decreases by up to 80% throughout adulthood. This isn’t just relevant for older adults, as levels begin to decrease around age 30 ( 3. ).
What does low DHEA mean?
Low DHEA levels are associated with lower bone density, which decreases as you age ( 8, 9 ).
Which gland produces DHEA?
The adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys, are one of the main producers of DHEA ( 1 ).
Is DHEA a natural hormone?
Written by Grant Tinsley, PhD — Updated on July 8, 2017. Many people claim balancing your hormones is the key to looking and feeling better. While there are many natural ways to balance your hormones, medications or supplements can also alter your hormone levels and provide health benefits. DHEA is both a natural hormone and popular supplement ...
What If You Need DHEA?
If tests indicate the need for DHEA supplementation, I start patients off with as little as 1-5 mg, under the tongue, two times per day. It’s possible to slowly increase the dosage if further tests warrant it, but I find I rarely need to use more than 10–12 mg sublingual per day — a physiological dose. We do not suggest any woman exceed 25 mg per day if capsule forms are used.
How to increase DHEA levels?
In fact, there are many studies that show you can improve your DHEA levels naturally by maintaining a body mass index of 19-25, getting adequate rest and exposure to sunlight, exercising regularly (including sexual activity), and fostering more “downtime” in your life — but more on that in a moment.
What is DHEA used for?
When used appropriately — in a therapeutic setting under medical supervision — DHEA is a critical component to jumpstarting hormonal balance. Just ask Lisa. After two months of treatment that included lifestyle changes and adrenal support with low daily doses of DHEA, she finally felt like herself again.
What happens when DHEA levels are low?
When DHEA levels are low, your body does not have enough working material for proper endocrine function. This throws off your hormone production and you feel a general sense of malaise, along with other symptoms of hormonal imbalance. How severe these symptoms become depends on how many other demands are being made on your body at the same time.
What factors affect the amount of DHEA produced?
Your lifestyle, diet and stress levels all contribute to the amount of DHEA your body can produce in a given period. At our practice we look first and foremost at adrenal function, using DHEA levels as one of several diagnostic tools.
Why is DHEA important for women?
Another reason is that DHEA for women is a very powerful precursor to all of your major sex hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. (It’s molecular structure is closely related to testosterone). We call it the “mother hormone” — the source that fuels the body’s metabolic pathway.
Where is DHEA produced?
The adrenals are walnut-sized glands located right above your kidneys. The average adult makes about 25 mg of DHEA per day (some more, some less) with dwindling production as we get older.
What is DHEA supplement?
DHEA ( dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone that's naturally produced by the adrenal glands. Levels of DHEA naturally drop after age 30. Some people take DHEA supplements in the hopes that DHEA will have health benefits and prevent some illnesses. However, the evidence is mixed.
What is DHEA used for?
DHEA is used by some people who want to "reverse" aging and boost immunity, cognitive function, and muscle strength. For now, studies don't back up these uses. DHEA has been studied as a treatment for other conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease to menopause to Alzheimer's. The results have been unclear.
What are the side effects of DHEA?
What are the risks of taking DHEA? 1 Side effects. 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. Men might develop more breast tissue, high blood pressure, and other problems. 2 Risks. Using high doses of DHEA may not be safe. People who have heart problems, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome, and a history of clotting problems should not use DHEA. DHEA may increase the risk of some cancers that are affected by hormones, like cancers of the breast, ovaries, and prostate. 3 Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using DHEA supplements. They could interact with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, hormone therapy, and drugs for diabetes and heart or liver problems.
What are the effects of low DHEA?
Low DHEA levels are associated with aging and a number of diseases, such as anorexia, type 2 diabetes, and HIV. In older men, having low levels of DHEA is also associated with a higher chance of death. However, it's not clear that using DHEA supplements will help lower the risks of getting any diseases. DHEA is used by some people who want ...
Does DHEA help with depression?
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.
Does DHEA cause headaches?
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.
Can DHEA be used with blood thinners?
Interactions. If you take any medications regularly, talk to your doctor before you start using DHEA supplements. They could interact with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, hormone therapy, and drugs for diabetes and heart or liver problems.
What is DHEA in the blood?
DHEA (S) levels across the lifespan. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a pro-hormone that is produced in the adrenals and gets converte d to testosterone and estrogen in many tissues. In the blood stream DHEA circulates primarily in its sulfated form DHEA-S. [1-3] The notation DHEA (S) refers to both DHEA and DHEA-S.
Why is DHEA important?
DHEA is especially important for women because of the relatively abrupt cessation of estrogen production with menopause. DHEA supplementation is a natural way to restore physiological levels of estrogen, as well as testosterone which also drops with age, in women.
What is PMDD in women?
Premenstru al dysphoric disorder ( PMDD) is a condition in which a woman has severe depression symptoms, irritability, and tension before menstruation. The symptoms of PMDD are more severe than those seen with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Because reduced levels of allopregnanolone are seen in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, ...
Does DHEA increase allopregnanolone?
Also, in these studies, while the 50 mg DHEA per day dose triple d levels of both allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin [15], the lower DHEA dose, 25 mg/day only increased levels of allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin two-fold. [17] However, the lower dose was still reported to be effective for relief of menopausal symptoms in some women. [14, 17, 36] As stated above, this underscores the importance of tailoring the DHEA dose to each individual woman and her health status.
Does DHEA help with premenstrual symptoms?
Because reduced levels of allopregnanolone are seen in women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and because DHEA supplementation increases allopregnanolone levels, it is likely that DHEA supplementation may alleviate premenstrual symptoms as well . Beta-endorphin is an endogenous opioid released from the pituitary gland. [33] .
Does DHEA help with mood?
Thus, one can speculate that the beneficial effects of DHEA supplementation on mood and wellbeing in postmenopausal women, and alleviation of menopausal symptoms, is partly due to its ability to elevate allopregnanolone levels.
Is DHEA good for postmenopausal women?
DHEA supplementation provides benefits for both early and late postmenopausal women. One study treated early (50-55 years and late postmenopausal women (60-65 years) with oral DHEA 50 mg/day for 6 months. [15] Treatment with DHEA was associated with a progressive improvement of the menopausal symptoms (both physical and psychological) in all groups, with major effects on vasomotor symptoms in the early postmenopausal women. [15] In addition, cortisol levels progressively decreased in all groups. Interestingly, levels of allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin increased progressively and significantly in all women, each reaching values three times higher than baseline. [15] Several other studies also showed that long-term (6-12 months) DHEA supplementation significantly boosts allopregnanolone and beta-endorphin levels in post-menopausal. [17, 19-21]
When to take DHEA supplements?
In the morning. This is when your body naturally produces DHEA, so taking supplements at the same time will be most effective. 9
How to increase DHEA levels in older people?
There's evidence exercise may do the trick, even for older people whose DHEA levels have naturally declined. Research has found that relatively short bouts of aerobic activity—in one study, an average of 23 minutes on a treadmill—may boost blood levels of DHEA. 8
What is DHEA used for?
Since low levels of DHEA have been detected in some individuals with conditions like diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, and kidney disease, DHEA supplements are also commonly used as an alternative remedy to treat or prevent such conditions.
What is DHEA in sports?
Metabolic syndrome. Multiple sclerosis. Parkinson's disease. DHEA is also said by some to slow the aging process, improve sports performance, enhance libido, promote weight loss, and bolster the immune system.
How long does DHEA last?
Depression: 30 mg to 500 mg of DHEA taken by mouth daily for 6 to 8 weeks either alone or together with antidepressant drugs. 2 .
Where is DHEA made?
What to Look For. Other Questions. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone available in dietary supplement form. Found naturally in your body, it's made in the adrenal glands. The DHEA found in dietary supplements is a synthetic form of the hormone, produced from diosgenin, ...
What to look for when selecting a brand of supplements?
When selecting a brand of supplements, look for products that have been certified by Consumer Labs, The U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention, or NSF International.