How to boost your DHEA levels

Dr Merlin Thomas

Merlin Thomas is a physician and a scientist. His research laboratory is at the JDRF/ Danielle Alberti Memorial Centre for the study of Diabetes Complications at the Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute in Melbourne.
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. Hormones, Recent Articles — By Dr Merlin Thomas on February 8, 2012

What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is one of the most plentiful steroid hormones in the body. It has a range of important effects on our health.

The side effects of DHEA supplements do not appear noticeable in everyone. However, if they occur they are generally dose-related and mild, such as oilier-than-normal hair and skin, acne, hair loss and increased facial hair due to increased testosterone production. Men may also experience breast enlargement due to DHEA’s stimulation of estrogen levels.

Because DHEA modifies our levels of various sex hormones, those who have or are at a high risk of cancer should not take DHEA. In fact, higher levels of DHEA have been correlated with an increased risk of developing breast cancer in some studies.

In recent years, 17-keto DHEA has been promoted as a superior version of DHEA. As this form of DHEA is less readily converted to testosterone and estrogen, its side-effect profile is reduced. However, this also means that 17-keto DHEA is less effective than standard DHEA at restoring female testosterone levels, which is one of the most common reasons why women feel stronger and sexier on DHEA.

Potential symptoms of DHEA deficiency

Fatigue and lethargy
Poor capacity to cope with stress
Poor libido and sexual performance
Dry skin
Anxiety/depression
Reduced muscle bulk
Sparseness of body hair
Weight gain

Options to boost DHEA levels

Increase the amount of strenuous exercise you have in your exercise regime – this will help slow the slump in your youthful DHEA levels by keeping the pressure off your adrenal glands (which make DHEA) and preventing diabetes, which damages the adrenals.
Take up running, swimming, football or weight lifting
Manage stress
Get quality sleep
Keep a symptom diary
Are you experiencing a persistent loss of stamina, strength, fatigue, lethargy, low mood, poor memory or reduced libido?
Make an appointment to see your doctor about DHEA if symptoms impact on your life. Getting tested for low DHEAs is a simple way to know if it could be the cause

Tags: adrenal glands, anxiety, depression, estrogen, exercise, hair loss, increased facial hair, Poor libido, supplements

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