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.
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