The Essential Hormone Of Youth DHEA has a role in:...
- Mental functioning including mood, memory & sex drive
- Cardiovascular function and cholesterol levels
- Cancer
- Immune function
- Autoimmune system disorders
- Osteoporosis
- Obesity
- Muscle mass DHEA is short for dehydroepiandrosterone, the most abundant hormone in the bloodstream which is made mostly by the adrenal glands, but also made in other parts of the body including the testicles, ovaries & brain. After production in the adrenal glands DHEA travels in the bloodstream and enters tissues and cells where it is converted on demand from the body into active hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, cortisone and progesterone. It seems the only hormone that declines with age in both men and women, and its decline triggers age-related diseases. According to scientists the decline in DHEA in the body is the most reliable indicator of ageing and susceptibility to disease. Most researchers agree to retard ageing and prevent disease, DHEA must be maintained at levels found in people in their 20’s. Researchers estimate that humans in their 20’s make between 10 and 15 mg of DHEA daily, (although some scientists have estimated higher levels). From our 30’s on, there is a progressive decline in DHEA levels, so that by age 70 we only make a quarter of the amounts made in our prime, and by age 90 perhaps a tenth. Levels in women are generally lower, and there is a sharper decline in women after menopause since the ovaries also make DHEA. DHEA levels decline not only with age but also during certain types of illness or stress. Some studies have found DHEA supplements can re-energise older people and reverse some diseases. It is not quite a “fountain of youth” but it makes many older people feel younger. Taking DHEA is similar to women taking estrogen-replacement therapy (HRT) to look and feel younger, except it can have a positive & invigorating effect on both sexes. Like estrogen, it has to be taken judiciously. Note: DHEA does not contain oestrogen. DHEA raises levels of other hormones - DHEA increases levels of sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. In a recent study at the Dept. of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Pisa in Italy, 100 mg a day of DHEA was given to six postmenopausal women for seven days. A significant increase occurred in circulating levels of androstenedione, testosterone and estrogens - androstenedione is a hormone intermediary between DHEA and the sex hormones. DHEA and Cancer - Research has shown that DHEA inhibits the development of tumours of the breast, lung, colon, skin, lymphatic and other tissue. Recent studies have also demonstrated that of 5,000 women monitored, those who developed breast cancer had less than 10% of the average DHEA levels for their age group while those with above-average DHEA levels remained cancer-free. DHEA and Cholesterol - Canadian research has shown DHEA is able to inhibit the oxidation of LDL’s ( the bad cholesterol) by reducing over 90% of free radicals (see Antoxplus), as well as by reducing the vitamin E loss. DHEA and Weight Loss - DHEA has the interesting effect of increasing muscle tissue and decreasing fat. Specifically - Men: In men DHEA can be very helpful in rejuvenating the libido. One study by the Massachusets Male Aging Society found male impotency increased 3-fold with age. Of 17 hormones measured only one was consistently lower in impotent men and that was DHEA. In one study over a 12 year period consisting of 242 middle-aged and elderly men, small doses of DHEA appeared to be linked with a 48% reduction in death from heart disease, and a 36% reduction in death from other causes. Another study of middle aged & elderly men taking DHEA found benefits including better ability to cope with stress, increased mobility, decreased pain & higher quality sleep. Specifically - Women: DHEA has been used for decades to treat menopause related depression. Post-menopausal women experience a decrease in estrogen, supplementing with DHEA appears to be a way to naturally increase estrogen levels. One study showed women taking DHEA had an 8-10% decrease in total cholesterol levels which translates to a 16-20% decrease in the risk of developing heart disease. DHEA may also protect against enzyme processes responsible for plaque formation in the arteries, and help reduce appetite and curb weight gain - major contributory factors in heart disease. If you are already on HRT or oestrogens you can still supplement with DHEA but would probably need to reduce the oestrogen/HRT dose. Our body makes lots of DHEA in the early (pre-dawn) morning, and production drops dramatically throughout the day. It is best taken first thing in the morning upon waking to act in sync with the body’s natural production. Given the normal levels produced in our 20’s it is always best to start off with a 5 mg daily dose. Many users use who take 5mg will feel an effect that day. When increased to 10 mg a sense of well being, heightened alertness and energy tend to be noticed, as well as sexual interest. Once you notice an effect you can lower your dosage and take the minimum your body requires. Some individuals require 50mg or more to notice effects. Signs of excess DHEA supplementation are thinning or loss of scalp hair and irritability. Note: Those on heart medications or thyroid hormones should not exceed 5mg daily. Our DHEA is extracted from Wild Yam Root. Note 2: DHEA is not on Free Sale within the EU and is shipped from the USA. Consequently you will receive this item separately from any other item(s) ordered and are liable for any import duties that may arise. |
