DHEA Therapy

DHEA is the most common steroid hormone in the body. It is produced mainly by the adrenal glands, and to a lesser extent, elsewhere in the body (including fat cells). DHEA is metabolized from pregnenolone, the body's “master hormone,” which itself is metabolized from cholesterol. DHEA can be metabolized into other sex hormones, including testosterone and the estrogens, and up to 150 individual metabolites.

There is no question that youthful DHEA levels are closely associated with good health, and that low levels have been connected to various diseases. Unfortunately, after about age 35, DHEA begins to decline (Pavlov EP et al 1986; Nafziger AN et al 1998). Women, who tend to have lower levels, lose DHEA much more quickly than men as they age.  By age 70, DHEA may be only 20% of young-adult levels (Belanger A et al 1994).

Modern hormone replacement therapy strives to recreate the youthful balance of hormones in the body—and this is where DHEA's value really stands out. Because it is metabolized into other hormones, supplementing with DHEA may allow the body to choose which hormone is needed, then synthesize that hormone from the available DHEA. This may account for the astonishing range of benefits that many researchers attribute to this hormone. DHEA's separate metabolites, including 7-Keto DHEA, have also been shown to have individual benefits, including lowering cholesterol, burning fat, and boosting the immune system.

Summary:

DHEA is a hormone that is produced from the synthesis of pregnenolone. It may be metabolized into testosterone or estrogen. DHEA is the most prevalent steroid hormone in the body.

Low DHEA levels are clearly associated with a range of diseases, including heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, Alzheimer's and depression.

DHEA levels drop dramatically as people age. There are pronounced differences in the average DHEA levels of men and women, with women on average having lower DHEA levels.

DHEA replacement therapy can restore youthful DHEA and other hormone levels.