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DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a parent hormone that is needed to produce androgens and estrogens, which are male and female sex hormones.
DHEA is made in the adrenal gland and the brain. According to the Mayo Clinic, levels of this hormone in the body start declining after the age of 30 and decrease faster in women. [1]
Individuals with certain disorders that affect hormones, such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease and depression, and those who take corticosteroids or birth control pills typically have lower levels of DHEA.
Using DHEA supplements has been studied for its potential to slow the effects of aging on the body and brain. It is used for several other purposes as well, including muscle growth, energy metabolism and immune function.
DHEA is available to take as a. oral supplement in several different formulations and dosages. Products typically contain 25mg – 100mg of this active ingredient and may include additional ingredients with similar effects such as pregnenolone.
A number of brands advertise the sale of micronized Dehydroepiandrosterone, which is purported to increase the absorption and bioavailability of the ingredient.
Consumers who want to know what the best DHEA supplement is should learn more about the different brands and types available, as well as what they are used for, how they work and what side effects are associated with their use.
Energy
Hormone Balance
Sexual Health- Supports healthy hormone balance
- Improves energy levels & sex drive
- Anti-aging & ergogenic effects
Top DHEA Products* ❯Common Uses of DHEA Supplements
According to one manufacturer, “DHEA supports healthy fat and mineral metabolism, endocrine and reproductive function, and energy levels… emotional well-being and immune function.”
Low levels of this hormone in the body are associated with higher risk of libido problems, skin wrinkles, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and depression. This molecule is not found in any food sources, so the only way to increase it directly is by using a supplement.
DHEA supplements have been taken orally to reverse or slow the aging process, improve cognitive function, promote healthy immune responses, support weight loss, boost energy levels and increase muscle mass.
Other uses for these supplements include supporting erectile function in men, improving sexuality and fertility in women and lowering the risk of serious diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes.
Another form of this supplement called 7-Keto-DHEA is used predominantly for energy and fat loss. It has been shown to increase thyroid hormone activity, but does not cause the same androgenic or estrogenic effects of DHEA.
DHEA is also used for slowing the progression of Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been used for depression in those with HIV and for managing systemic lupus erythematosus, osteoporosis and other conditions.
Note that the FDA has not approved the use of DHEA supplements as a drug for the treatment, prevention or alleviation of any medical conditions. More research is required to validate the clinical efficacy of this supplement.
Benefits of DHEA Supplements
DHEA is made in the adrenal glands from cholesterol and changed into another hormone known as androstenedione, which is turned into testosterone and estrogens.
These hormones help regulate different functions in the body, including reproduction, libido, fat distribution, muscle strength and bone mass. They also affect a wide range of other body systems including the brain, mood regulation and more.
DHEA has been studied for its potential health benefits with varying results. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that it is possibly effective for improving skin that has been affected by the aging process, as well as improving the symptoms of depression when taken orally in doses of 30 to 500 MG per day. [2]
In research studies, use of this supplement has been shown to increases epidermal thickness, sebum production, and skin hydration while reducing the appearance of skin pigmentation on the face in older men and women. Topical creams with DHEA have also been able to improve skin quality, appearance and wrinkling compared to baseline measures.
Oral dosages of 30-500 mg daily have been shown to improve symptoms of depression and dysthymia (persistent mild depression) in multiple studies. Lower dosages do not appear to be effective.
Studies have also found this compound effective for female sexual health and for reducing pain during intercourse and reversing vaginal thinning in older women. It has been used topically or via a suppository in postmenopausal women.
Some sources claim that this hormone precursor can promote brain health and mental performance. According to NMCD, DHEA is rated likely ineffective for improving cognitive function. In several studies, it was not able to improve cognitive function or decrease cognitive dysfunction in people over the age of 50.
One placebo-controlled study did find that use of 50mg per day for 4 weeks could improve memory and visual spatial reasoning in middle aged and elderly women.
Many other health claims made about this supplement require more research to validate. According to NMCD, there is insufficient evidence available to determine its efficacy for slowing the effects of aging, managing adrenal insufficiency, improving fertility, increasing muscle strength and supporting weight loss. [2]
How to Find the Best DHEA Supplement
The best DHEA supplements should be manufactured in cGMP compliant facilities that are registered with the FDA. All products should be tested by 3rd party laboratories to determine ingredient quality and to detect any unwanted contaminants or bacterial impurities.
Supplements should be free of preservatives, binders, artificial flavors, fillers, or potential allergens including dairy, gluten, soy, peanut and egg. Some companies use vegan and vegetarian-friendly capsules while others use animal-based gelatin capsules.
DHEA pills are commonly sold in dosages of 25mg, 50mg or 100mg per capsule. To determine the best dosage for your needs, it is recommended to consult with a doctor.
Note that some brands sell micronized DHEA which is purported to have higher oral bioavailability, meaning that more of the ingredient gets absorbed by the body and becomes active.
Consumers who are looking for the best DHEA supplement brand should note that many of these products are artificially made from plant sterols found in Mexican wild yams. According to one brand’s description “The compound diosgenin is extracted from wild yam and undergoes a proprietary synthetic process to develop DHEA.”
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, these products are sometimes marked as “natural DHEA,” but the body is unable to turn these extracts into DHEA. [4] Consumers should look for products that contain DHEA rather than wild yam extracts or diosgenin.
Some brands that make DHEA supplements include Natrol, Life Extension, Superior Labs, Swanson Ultra and Best Naturals. While many of these products claim that they help support adrenal balance and optimal hormone levels, some brands make additional claims.
For example, Life Extension claims that DHEA supplements can increase muscle strength and muscle mass. Many DHEA products only contain this pure ingredient rather than being combined with other ingredients in a complex.
A large percentage of consumers who use these products report that they are effective at increasing energy levels and improving overall well-being. A small percentage of consumers reported that these products are not effective for weight loss or improving mood.
Athletes who want to take DHEA supplements to increase muscle mass and energy levels should note that the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has banned the use of these products, according to MedlinePlus. [3]
Side Effects of DHEA Supplements
DHEA supplements are rated Possibly Safe for most consumers to use for a short period of time, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [2]
The use of these supplements can cause a few side effects, such as acne, an upset stomach and hair loss. Some women also experience changes in menstruation, deepening of the voice and facial hair.
Those who use DHEA supplements should only do so for up to a few months at a time. Because of its effect on hormone balance and testosterone levels, this product might be unsafe to take in large doses or on a long-term basis.
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database states that consumers should not take doses that are higher than 50 to 100 MG per day for long periods of time. [2]
DHEA supplements can interact with certain medications that affect estrogen levels. Some of these include Tamoxifen, Exemestane and Letrozole. They might also interact with insulin, antidepressants and anticoagulants.
Before looking for the best DHEA supplement to take, consumers who take any of these medications should consult a doctor.
Consumers can find DHEA supplements for fertility, muscle strength, weight loss and other uses in the form of capsules, tablets and other oral supplements ranging from 10 MG to 100 MG per dose at Amazon, GNC and other online retailers and in stores that sell supplements.
Those who use these products should consult their doctor about safe dosages, since there are no standard recommended dosage guidelines available from the FDA.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment