DHEA is short for Dehydroepiandrosterone. It is the most abundant hormone produced by the adrenal glands. In the body, it is converted to testosterone and estrogen. Production peaks in your early 20’s, and declines about 10% every 10 years. This means that those in their 80’s produce only 10 - 20% as much as they did in their 20’s.
DHEA Features and Benefits:
• Anti-aging and longevity.
• Vitality and more energy
• Extension of life expectancy
• Improve the mood
• Slowing down the aging process
• Regulate hormones naturally
• Increasing the resistance
• Increases energy and strength.
• Reduce the harmful effects of stress
• Reduction of body fat
• Weight control
• Improves libido
It is the only hormone that declines with age in both men and women. It’s decline signals age-related disease. It is said to be effective at improving and preventing many age related diseases, thus being seen as an anti-aging treatment. Research indicates its therapeutic effects in many chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of the immune system, depression, and osteoporosis. It works in three important ways: it maintains normal sex hormone levels, inhibits the damaging effects of stress, and increases the production of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Low levels of can lead to chronic fatigue, weakness, depression, headaches, and leave one susceptible to infections and disease
There have been studies to substantiate this increase as well. One study examined the effects of a 50 mg. daily dose on both men and women who were over the age of 50. This dosage was enough to increase DHEA levels to that of a 24 year old in only 2 weeks of supplementation. A follow-up study was done where participants consumed 100 mg. of DHEA before sleep. This not only raised DHEA levels but boosted immune function, increased gains in lean body mass, increased strength, and decreased bodyfat. The human body produces very little DHEA until about the age of seven, when production soars. It peaks in the mid-20s and starts to decline in the early 30s. By the mid-70s, DHEA production has dropped by about 80-90%. At all ages, DHEA levels are slightly higher in men than women. The optimum DHEA level in a healthy adult is 750-1,250 milligrams per deciliter of blood (mg/dL) for men and 550-980 mg/dL for women.
