Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly known as DHEA, is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body and is produced mainly by the adrenal glands, which sit atop your kidneys. DHEA is often acknowledged as a `parent` hormone because it is converted into other hormones, notably testosterone and estrogen; the male and female sex hormones. Telling you more, many of its alleged benefits are due to its potential conversion to these hormones. The production of DHEA is reported to increase from around the age of 10, peaks during the 20s and gradually decreases with aging
This `famous` hormone has been subject to a worldwide interest for years, and why not when the topic of interest is male anti-aging capabilities! Being able to increase the level of testosterone, there are so many who are advocating DHEA`s potential health benefits in association with an escalating buzzing with enthusiasm for its incredible rejuvenating qualities and legions of fans all over the globe hailing it as the ‘elixir of youth’.
Why do men take DHEA supplements?
As men get older, their levels of testosterone gradually decline and some men would start to suffer a cascade of aging symptoms including tiredness, lack of energy, reduced strength, frailty, loss of libido, decreased sexual performance, depression, and mood changes.
Being a precursor hormone that can convert to testosterone inside the body, DHEA supplementation poses as an excellent andropause treatment that can help reverse the aging tide caused by the hormonal imbalance and low testosterone production.
Many men, in their quest for battling the negative impacts of declining testosterone levels, are inclined to take DHEA supplements. By raising testosterone levels, a long list of benefits are claimed, the most notable include improved mood and memory, reduction of body fat mass, energetic sense of well-being, better sleeping pattern, increased sexual drive, improved sexual function, and increased muscle mass. Adding more to its luster, several studies have shown DHEA to play a significant role in cardiovascular health, as well as shifting the metabolic balance in favor of energy utilization and reduction of fat storage. This last function in particular portrays DHEA a vital tool in combating certain metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance, obesity, and diabetes.
Nevertheless, and despite the multitude of reports advocating that DHEA may improve health-related quality of men`s life and sexuality, DHEA is still a hormonal treatment; its intake should
never be self-administered. DHEA supplements should only be taken under the supervision of a knowledgeable healthcare provider for proper clinical assessment, appropriate dosing and follow up, with hormone levels being checked regularly.
If you’re considering the use of DHEA to increase your testosterone level and combat the negative impacts of aging, talk to your doctor before starting your supplement regimen.
Written with affection,
Dr. Anis Haddad, MD
Urologist & Male Health Expert
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