The Mother of All Hormones - DHEA

DHEA ( Dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant steroid found in the human blood stream. It is also reported as one of the most reliable bio-markers of aging.

DHEA is sometimes called the "mother of all hormones" because it is the building block from which estrogen and testosterone are produced and is vital to health. It is secreted by the adrenal glands and also produced in the gonads (testes and ovaries) and brain.

I have found some of the reported benefits of DHEA on the "net" and have posted them here below as there were so many I didn't want you all to miss out.

DHEA:

• is an antioxidant
  
  
• is a hormone regulator (it helps regulate the thyroid & pituitary glands, and enhances thymus gland function)
  
  
• decreases cholesterol
  
  
• stimulates the production of human growth hormone
  
  
• boosts immunity by stimulating killer cell activity
  
  
• increases the sensitivity of cells to insulin
  
  
• assists in returning the body to a balanced state after a stress reaction
  
  
• improves cognitive function, bone formation and libido
  
  
• enhances mood by increasing the brain's serotonin levels
  

DHEA has been reported to have anti-diabetic, anti-dementia, anti-obesity, anti-carcinogenic, anti-stress, immune-enhancing, anti-viral and anti-bacterial, anti-aging and anti-heart disease effects.

Studies have shown that DHEA levels peak at the age 25 and decline at a rate of about 2% a year, thereafter. It isn't until the mid-forties, however, that we begin to feel the effects of lower DHEA levels. DHEA deficiency include: poor memory, poor resistance to noise, anxiety, decreased libido (especially in women), decreased armpit and pubic hair, and dry skin and eyes.

Through regular supplementation, it has been proposed as a way to indirectly slow down the aging process and improve quality of life. In addition, DHEA is known to stabilize nerve-cell growth and is being tested currently in Alzheimer patients.

Since you can't obtain DHEA from food, supplementation is recommended in order to maintain adequate levels for optimal health. I personally take 25 mg every other day to stave off any of the negative effects. There are some reported side effects and some people should NOT take DHEA. If you have cancer or are in remission, DHEA is not for you. And especially if you are under the age of 30. In addition, the biggest concern over DHEA supplementation is the issue of androgen/estrogen production from DHEA. Various tissues can convert DHEA to either androgens (testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androstenedione) or estrogens (estrone, estradiol).

DHEA studies have reported significant androgen increases in women, at a 50 mg and higher dosages and a decreased testosterone level in men, combined with an increase in estradiol which can result in acne, oily skin, facial hair growth in women, and irritability, insomnia, fatigue, and breast enlargement in men, so proceed with caution and consult a physician to see if this supplement is right for you.