How to Use DHEA

DHEA has been used for at least 50 years mainly for the treatment of weight loss, although studies show it may be useful in slowing the aging process. Known as the "fountain of youth" hormone, it is produced naturally in the adrenal glands of men and women. But with age, DHEA produced by the body starts to decline. Levels can also be depleted by a number of different drugs. A Mayo Clinic study showed that DHEA supplements improve overall health in those with adrenal insufficiency. Today, it is used widely to treat depression. DHEA is also believed to hold the key to curing certain illnesses.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. DHEA is available in several forms, including both nonprescription and prescription-strength capsules, as tablets, injections, tea bags and even moisturizing creams. Because decreased levels of the DHEA hormone are associated with aging skin, health experts now agree that the antiaging moisturizing creams with DHEA can repair your skin and also reverse aging or sun-damaged skin. A study in the Journal of Surgical Research shows that topical DHEA has the ability to protect the health of the skin's delicate blood vessels. Researchers found this safeguarding of blood vessels prevents progressive tissue destruction, slows down the aging process and helps transport essential nutrients in the bloodstream, which in turn preserves skin health. The DHEA hormone also helps the skin defend itself against cancer-causing and skin-destructive environmental pollutants. For best results, smooth cream on the hands, face and any part of the body daily to stimulate the skin's immune system.

2. Consider having your doctor test your DHEA levels before taking DHEA tablets or capsules. This will help to determine the proper dosage. If you are in your late 40s or beyond, the normal dose would be between 25 and 50 mg daily, or every other day, depending on your particular requirements. If you take DHEA, it's important also to take the antioxidant vitamins C and E and the antioxidant mineral selenium to prevent oxidative damage to the liver.

3. Take DHEA in the morning, because that's when your body naturally makes it. Some doctors recommend looking for time-released DHEA to give your body time to adapt. You can also split a 25 mg tablet in half for the first week and then increase up to 25 mg per day unless your doctor says otherwise. Proper dosage can vary from tablet to tablet

4. There have been some reports that DHEA may be effective in treating lupus, an autoimmune disease. A Mayo Clinic study showed that taking DHEA orally combined with conventional medicine may reduce symptoms in lupus patients, including muscle weakness. It may also keep facial rashes from flaring up and improve bone mineral density. The majority of clinical trials investigating the effect of DHEA for lupus support its use.

5. It is believed that DHEA can enhance immune function. The results of various studies also show that DHEA helps prevent and treat many disorders associated with aging. Other potential benefits include slowing the growth and recurrence of some types of cancer and protecting against heart disease. However, there are no current studies to confirm this.

Tips & Warnings

• Possible side effects of DHEA in women are excess growth of facial hair. To avoid this, start with a daily dose of 10 mg.
• Caution should be used when taking DHEA. It is believed that taking high doses, suppress the body's natural ability to produce this hormone. As always, you should consult with your doctor or health practitioner before taking DHEA, or any other supplements. DHEA should not be taken if you are pregnant.

References

• Nature's Health Company
• National Institute on Aging on DHEA

Resources

• All about DHEA; Ray Sahelian, M.D.
• NIH on DHEA

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