Overview

DHEA is most commonly used by individuals over 40 to help restore the natural age-related decline of this vitally important pro-hormone. It's reportedly shown to increase sexual energy in both men and women and may even help alleviate male impotence. Recently, it's been used by some younger individuals to help raise testosterone production, which may help increase strength and muscle mass. DHEA isn't for everyone, but it's probably safe to say that the older you are, the more likely your body lacks adequate amounts and the more likely for DHEA supplementation to be beneficial.

Usage

Amount: For men, 15 to 50 mg per day in divided doses is the amount reported in studies. Many experts suggest limiting DHEA to under 100 mg per day with an absolute maximum of 300 mg.

Note: Over 300 mg per day does not impart additional benefits but does increase the likelihood of negative side effects.

For women over 40 (it's not needed by younger women), 5 to 25 mg per day is reportedly sufficient.

Note: Pharmaceutical grades are preferable.

Timing: For men, one dose in the morning and another before bed is reported to be most effective for raising testosterone levels.

For women, only one dose taken in the morning is recommended.

While DHEA seems more appealing to aging adults, there is some belief that certain conditions may make it useful for younger people. For example, high-intensity training—especially overtraining—can deplete the body of testosterone. (Remember, DHEA is a precursor to testosterone.) Also, former steroid users often have lowered levels of natural DHEA because their natural production has shut itself off.

Questions and Answers

Q.	What does the research on DHEA show?
A.	In more than 2,000 published studies, DHEA has been shown to have a role in improving neurological function, immune function, and hormone balance, as well as relieving stress disorders and numerous diseases associated with the normal aging process. Wait, we're not done! DHEA has also been shown in a recent study to be "associated with an increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being for both men (67%) and women (84%). Increases in lean body mass and muscle strength were reported in men taking 100 mg a day, but this dose appeared to be excessive for women." If that isn't enough, DHEA was also shown to significantly elevate insulin growth factor (IGF), which may restore energy levels, bone strength, hair color, and skin texture. Perhaps most importantly for most people reading this report, it also increases youthful muscle mass while simultaneously significantly reducing bodyfat.
Q.	Could any other supplements make DHEA even more effective?
A.	Taking DHEA with fat or in an oil capsule enhances absorption.
Q.	What's the most common amount of DHEA used to achieve optimal results?
A.	An early study from Dr. Yen, a leading DHEA researcher, showed that 3 months of daily 50-mg doses of DHEA significantly improved the sense of well-being, improved the ability to cope with stress, improved physical mobility, reduced chronic joint pain, improved the quality of sleep, elevated IGF-1, elevated muscle mass, and, in men but not in women, reduced bodyfat and increased strength.
Q.	Can too much DHEA cause any side effects—is it safe?
A.	DHEA can be converted into testosterone (and estrogen). These sex hormones can promote benign and malignant prostate cell development. Men with prostate cancer or severe benign prostate hypertrophy are advised to avoid DHEA. Women with estrogen-dependent cancer should consult their physicians before beginning DHEA supplementation. We highly recommend consulting a physician prior to use of DHEA; in fact, a blood test will greatly determine the most optimal dosages required for each individual. DHEA testing may save you money if it shows you can take less DHEA to maintain effective and youthful DHEA levels.
Q.	Can I get the same effects of DHEA by eating regular whole foods?
A.	DHEA is produced by our adrenal glands. All DHEA supplements are synthetic forms manufactured in labs. While it's been speculated that wild yams contain natural precursors to DHEA, unless your body is a sophisticated walking laboratory, you cannot effectively breakdown wild yams into any usable DHEA. As a matter of fact, this conversion of yams into DHEA requires a series of reactions in a laboratory with controlled settings.

Safety Information

Safety:

References

Bowers, L.D., "Oral Dehydroepiandrosterone Supplementation Can Increase the Testosterone/Epitestosterone Ratio," Clin Chem 45 (1999) : 295-6.

Dehennin, L., et al., "Oral Administration of Dehydroepiandrosterone to Healthy Men: Alteration of the Urinary Androgen Profile and Consequences for the Detection of Abuse in Sport by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry," Steroids 63.2 (1998) : 80-7.

Khorram, O., et al., "Activation of Immune Function by Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in Age-Advanced Men," J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 52.1 (1997) : M1-7.

Kroboth, P.D., et al., "DHEA and DHEA-S: A Review," J Clin Pharmacol 39.4 (1999) : 327-48.

Morales, A.J., et al., "Effects of Replacement Dose of Dehydroepiandrosterone in Men and Women of Advancing Age," J Clin Endorcrionol Metab 78.6 (1994) : 1360-7.

Morales, A.J., et al., "The Effect of Six Months Treatment with a 100 mg Daily Dose of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on Circulating Sex Steroids, Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Age-Advanced Men and Women," Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 49.4 (1998) : 421-32.

Reiter, W.J., et al., "Dehydroepiandrosterone in the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study," Urology 53.3 (1999) : 590-5.

Yen, S.S., et al., "Replacement of DHEA in Aging Men and Women, Potential Remedial Effects," Ann N Y Acad Sci 774 (1995) : 128-42.