Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that improves bone density, lowers body fat, and aids in the production of hormones. The hormone also increases the activity of neurons in the central nervous system as it acts as a neurosteroid. Many athletes also take DHEA to improve their performance. DHEA is available in tablets, capsules, powders, tinctures, and topicals.

Now, you might be wondering why DHEA is taken as a supplement when the human body can produce it naturally. Well, with age, the production of DHEA decreases, and that results in many diseases. Therefore, DHEA supplements help patients cope with osteoporosis, depression, and infertility. If you want to know more about DHEA benefits and possible side effects, read this article to the last word!

What Are The Health Benefits of DHEA?

DHEA can be beneficial for you in multiple ways. For example, they can:

Increase Bone Density

Bone density, which diminishes with age, is associated with decreased DHEA levels, ultimately linked to a higher risk of bone fractures. Numerous research studies have examined whether DHEA can increase bone density in older persons due to these connections. According to some studies, older women—but not men—who use this supplement for a year or two may see a bump in bone density. Other investigations have not found significant advantages in bone density following DHEA supplementation, although most research studies were conducted for six months or less. DHEA supplements may need to be taken longer to experience improved bone density, and older women might feel an even more substantial impact.

Improve Skin Aging

DHEA supplements can plump the skin by boosting estrogen levels and increasing collagen production. As you age, your estrogen levels decrease, significantly affecting collagen in the skin. Collagen can keep the skin plump, so as you lose collagen, your skin starts to wrinkle and become thin. Some research studies have shown that applying DHEA lotion or gel can improve collagen production. A case study of an 87-year-old found that DHEA supplements helped heal skin tears and prevented future tears.

Improve Depression:

DHEA and depression have a complicated connection. According to some studies, women with depression have higher amounts of DHEA than women without depression. However, some other individuals with significant depression experience lower DHEA levels as compared to people with lesser depression. Although the exact association between DHEA levels and depression is unclear, researchers are investigating whether DHEA supplements can lessen depression-related symptoms. According to a few studies, it can help alleviate depression, particularly in people who don't react to typical therapy or have mild symptoms of depression. Another research has found no changes in signs of depression or mental performance in middle-aged and older, healthy persons.

Adrenal Insufficiency

DHEA is the hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Adrenal insufficiency occurs when the adrenal glands cannot produce adequate cortisol and DHEA. It can occur due to injury to the adrenal glands themselves (also known as Addison's disease) or issues with the pituitary gland. According to research, consuming DHEA may aid with good health, exhaustion, and mood. Women with this illness who received DHEA supplements experienced improved intimacy and a better sense of happiness, including less stress and hopelessness. Adrenal insufficiency needs to be treated by a physician. If you have adrenal insufficiency, you shouldn't use DHEA by yourself. When severe adrenal insufficiency is detected, it might be an urgent health issue.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body's immune system unintentionally targets healthy tissue in this illness. The brain, kidneys, joints, skin, and other parts may be impacted. Although it does not affect the overall development of lupus, taking DHEA in combination with other medications assists patients with the condition in enjoying better lives. In women with lupus, DHEA may also improve mental performance, increase bone mass, and lessen the severity of explosions. More research is required to determine if DHEA is safe and beneficial for lupus patients.

May Improve Female Infertility

The reproductive system is greatly affected by supplements and can alter the hormones in men and women. It improved the achievement rate of in vitro fertilization (IVF) for 25 infertile women. Before and after DHEA medication, these women had IVF. The women developed more eggs after therapy, and a more significant proportion of those eggs were fertilized (67% compared to 39% before treatment). According to one study, the live birth rate for women who took DHEA supplements during IVF was 23%, while the control group's live birth rate was 4%.

What Are The Side Effects of DHEA?

The following are the other few possible adverse effects of using DHEA:

1. Headache
2. Fatigue
3. Insomnia
4. Acne
5. Abnormal periods
6. Deeper voice
7. Upset stomach
8. Abnormal breast growth in males
9. Oily or sticky skin
10. Thick hair in the underarm and lower region
11. Unusual growth of hair
12. Reduce the "good" cholesterol or high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.
13. Slower coagulation

Who Should Not Take DHEA?

People in the following groups (or with related conditions) shouldn't use DHEA due to health concerns:

1. Kids and breastfeeding or pregnant women
2. People who suffer from cardiac issues or have strokes
3. Blood-clotting diseases, thyroid problems, diabetes, high cholesterol, liver disease, and hormonal issues
4. Cancers that are hormone-sensitive, such as breast, or lung
5. Mental illnesses
6. Women suffering from PCOS

Conclusion:

DHEA is a hormone produced naturally. It is also marketed as a supplement that helps with depression, aged skin, and bone density. Young, healthy people don't need to use DHEA supplements. The body naturally produces this hormone; having more does not always mean it is good. However, certain people, particularly older adults and those with specific adrenal or fertility issues may benefit from taking DHEA supplements. If you are considering this supplement, you should speak with your doctor.