Dehydroepiandrosterone, more commonly known as DHEA is the most abundant hormone in your body. Made by several different tissues, it is secreted primarily by the adrenal glands, located on top of your kidneys. DHEA is also made by your brain. The frontal lobes of the brain make the most DHEA and you have on average six times more of this “on demand DHEA” in your brain than in your bloodstream.
Unfortunately, as we age the levels of DHEA drop dramatically. Between the ages of 30 and 50 levels decrease by 60% !
DHEA is one of the most important hormones your body makes, responsible for maintaining an anabolic or protein building state. In other words, all of the other important hormones in the androgen pathway like testosterone, androstenedione, estrone, estradiol, and DHT decline as well because of lower DHEA levels.
DHEA also reduces cardiovascular disease by decreasing visceral fat, it stimulates the immune system, restores sexual vitality, improves mood, decreases cholesterol and body fat.
In elderly patients it improved memory, increases energy, and has anticancer properties by enhancing the immune system. Additionally it improves osteoporosis and atherosclerosis and reduces insulin requirements and/or insulin sensitizing drugs.
Further, DHEA inhibits the synthesis of thromboxane A2, reduces plasminogen activator inhibitor, and tissue plasminogen activator which all decrease platelet aggregation and ischemia (inadequate blood supply to an organ or part of the body, especially the heart muscles).
Quality, dosage and release rate
While DHEA is available from many supplement manufacturers, we strongly recommend having your blood tested to ensure you are taking the correct amount. Taking too much DHEA increases the risk of heart attack, heart disease and metabolic syndrome.
DHEA comes in several release rates and should be prescribed by a qualified physician. For many, taking DHEA too late in the day causes poor sleep, insomnia and restlessness.
Quality of supplements is very important for both accurate and effective dosing. This is why we only use pharmaceutical grade supplements for our patients.
To learn more about DHEA and find out where your values are, start by contacting our office at 937-350-5527 to schedule your blood test and consultation with Dr. Rob.
Related: The Importance of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
