What is DHEA
Johann Erickson
DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone touted as a wonder supplement that can improve your overall health. The hormone claims to melt away fat, as well as slow down the aging process and improve the memory of its users. Ultimately, DHEA is converted in the body into estrogen and androgen, the male and female sex hormones. All of the benefits of the supplement are in the end merely the effects of those two hormones.
As your hormone levels decrease with age, you are more prone to illness, show more age, and have a decreased sex drive. By increasing a decreasing level of hormones in your body DHEA can in effect slow down the aging process, and help your body maintain itself as it did during your younger years.
Studies in mice and rats showed DHEA as an effect weight loss supplement, however no study as of yet with humans has shown the same results. Although DHEA has an effect on many who take it, that effect changes depending on the user.
Who should take DHEA supplements? DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone in the body, taking DHEA as a nutritional supplement should only be necessary later in life when your levels of the hormone have naturally decreased. Your body naturally produces DHEA, with levels peeking in early adulthood and then gradually decreasing there after. DHEA supplements, when recommended are generally not recommended for those under the age of fifty. Before you start taking DHEA visit your physician and determine what the current level of DHEA is in your system. Those with particularly low levels of DHEA existing in their system can benefit more from taking DHEA supplements. Those who already have enough DHEA however can cause themselves more damage then good with taking supplements.
What are the negative effects of DHEA? DHEA alters the hormone levels in your body. If you are currently being treated for a hormone related cancer such as breast or prostate cancer, then it may not be a good ides for you to start taking DHEA. DHEA has also been known to cause skin problems, increased facial hair growth inn women, and mood swings. By adding additional hormones into your system you are altering the way your body works, which can sometimes cause negative effects.
Where can I get DHEA? DHEA supplements are available from most vitamin and health supply stores, as well as several different retailers online. Make sure when you purchase DHEA that you are purchasing the correct dosage amount for you. Large amounts of the hormone can be harmful, so it’s important to make sure you are getting the right amount.
Before beginning to take an new supplement be sure to consult your doctor and make sure that DHEA supplements are right for you. If you already have a good level of DHEA in your body, then taking the hormone, or taking too much of it can cause negative effects your body, that may be permanent. As with taking any supplement, it is better to be safe and consult your doctor, than to take the wrong dosage and be sorry later on.
About the author:
Johann Erickson is a contributing writer for sites such as Triton Nutrition -
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