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DHEA: The Anti-Aging Super Hormone

© Robert M. Oliva

Anti-aging medicine has taken tremendous strides in the last decade. Numerous studies have demonstrated that much can be done to slow or even halt the aging process. Anti-aging researchers and medical doctors have presented many products that are said to help aging baby boomers regain the vitality and stamina of their youth. One of these products is the hormone DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone.

DHEA is a mother hormone secreted by the adrenal glands. It is so called because it is the source of all other sex and steroid hormones in the body and is the most abundant hormone. DHEA is made from cholesterol. After it is secreted from the adrenal glands it is converted into whatever hormones the body needs, such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone and cortisone. For this reason DHEA is called a prohormone in that it acts as a buffer that interacts with other hormones in the body.

As we age the levels of DHEA are reduced. Optimal levels are reached between the ages of 20 – 25. With each decade the levels of DHEA decline. This decrease in the levels of DHEA have been associated with many age related diseases and conditions. For example, individuals with low levels of DHEA suffer a greater incidence of immune dysfunction, autoimmune disease, heart disease, obesity, low libido, mental disturbances, and blood sugar instability. If this is the case, it makes sense to explore how taking DHEA supplements may be helpful to those wishing to remain strong and youthful.

Caveat

Before proceeding I would like to mention that DHEA is not a nutrient, it is a hormone. For this reason extra care should be taken by anyone contemplating its usage as a supplement. Although relatively safe, it is prudent to have a medical professional measure your blood levels of DHEA to determine if and what levels of supplementation may be appropriate in your case. This simple approach can optimize your use of this very helpful hormone. I will say more about protocols you can use to determine DHEA dosages later in the article.

The Research

Until recently, most people or doctors interested in the use of DHEA as an anti-aging supplement had to rely on animal studies to bolster their argument that DHEA could be helpful. This has now changed. Numerous human studies have been conducted and confirmed what has been up until now only an assumption: DHEA is a major player in the attempt to remain vigorous for our entire lifespan. This new research has indicated that DHEA is one of the most important supplements you can take to preserve youthfulness. It has pointed to a positive role for DHEA in improving or preventing most degenerative diseases found in modern society. Let’s look at some of the findings that have put DHEA in the forefront of anti-aging efforts.