0
3.9
4
DHEA is a nutritional supplement that is often grouped in with nootropics for its mood and memory boost effects as well as anti-aging benefits.
While it is not the strongest cognitive enhancer available, it can give you more energy and provide balance to a stronger nootropic stack.
DHEA (also known as Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid-like hormone which is produced by the human body and also found in wild yams and even soy.
DHEA is the most abundant steroid found in human plasma and many user reviews say that it has a noticeable boost on motivation and drive. Most DHEA supplements are created from a substance called diosgenin found in soy which makes this a biosynthetic compound.
Energy
Hormone Balance
Sexual Health- Supports healthy hormone balance
- Improves energy levels & sex drive
- Anti-aging & ergogenic effects
Top DHEA Products* ❯DHEA Effects:
Hormone levels tend to peak by the time we reach our mid-20’s and then decline with age. This is why supplements are used to help raise our own natural supply of beneficial hormones. This is especially true with DHEA, – a natural hormone reported to help with the fight against aging and a number of other conditions.
DHEA is considered to be a “parent” hormone. This simply means that this is produced within the adrenal glands (near the kidney and the liver) and then changed into other substances. In this case, the DHEA is first converted into Androstenedione (which you may recognize as the hormone taken by Mark McGwire when he hit the most home runs in a single baseball season).
This substance is then converted into both male and female sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. In men, DHEA is also secreted by the testes.
When we take a DHEA supplement it is sort of like giving the body an extra shot of Androstenedione. It will then be further converted into male and female sex hormones and help to produce a number of its reported benefits. One of the reasons supplementation is important despite the fact that it is a naturally produced chemical, our levels do decline as the result of a number of conditions and factors.
DHEA Benefits:
There are a number of different benefits associated with DHEA supplementation. The most common of these is probably use among the fitness community.
Since it helps in the production of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, this can lead to athletes having a much easier time gaining muscle mass and even recovering faster from more intense workouts. Additionally, it helps to raise testosterone levels naturally as opposed to steroid or even steroid-like supplements.
Studies have also shown that this supplement helps to decrease the accumulation of belly fat, making it suitable for use as a weight loss aid. DHEA also decreases insulin resistance and may have a synergistic effect when exercising by boosting fat loss specifically related to training.
As a nootropic, DHEA is considered to be an important neuro steroid. Despite there not being any known DHEA receptors within the brain, it has been shown to decrease premature brain cell death and promote cerebral health.
Many user experience logs also state that it helps to heighten mental energy, making them feeling younger and full of vigor. According to anecdotal reports, it can lead to an increase in motivation, decreased fatigue and even improved libido.
This supplement is also used as a natural anti-aging or longevity promoting compound. The theory here is that since our levels of DHEA naturally decline as we age, by getting more into the body, it may serve to reduce or even eliminate some of the effects of aging.
While the life extension benefits of DHEA are unproven so far, it is known to have a positive effect on whole body health. There have been studies which show that this supplement has a positive effect on osteoporosis as well.
DHEA Dosage:
The most commonly recommended dosage for DHEA is between 25 and 50 mg per day. If you decide to use 50 mg, it is better to divide the daily amount into two different 25 mg administrations.
Of course, doses as high as 500 mg per day have also been given to HIV/AIDS patients suffering from depression and other mood disorders.
This supplement may even be used as a topical agent, although safety and effectiveness have yet to be proven. The same thing can be said for injections which are also available. This supplement is not recommended for children under 18.
As always, begin by starting out with the lowest effective dose and only increase once you have become familiar with its workings and specific effects upon your body chemistry.
DHEA Side Effects:
There are few side effects reported for DHEA when it is taken orally and in recommended dosages. Of course, not everyone will follow those guidelines. Side effects, therefore, may include fatigue, nasal congestion, headache, acne, rapid or irregular heartbeats. Women may experience abnormal menses, emotional changes, headache, and insomnia.
People with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, blood clotting issues, and/or liver disease should stay away from DHEA supplementation.
In rare cases, it may also be possible to see hormonal related changes or issues. This could include the masculinization of women. Some say that they experience greasy skin, facial hair, hair loss, increased sweating, weight gain around the waist, or a deeper voice.
Men may develop more prominent breasts, increased blood pressure, testicular wasting, increased blood sugar, insulin resistance, altered cholesterol levels, and potentially altered adrenal function.
DHEA Review:
DHEA could be a valuable supplement for some people. It is not something that you want to take in high doses, however, so always be careful to follow the proper dosing guidelines and watch yourself for any of the potential side effects. Weight lifters and even people just looking to fight back against the effects of aging may want to give this one a cautious try.
There are some subjective reports of DHEA improving mental energy and drive as well. You may want to use it in a stack alongside Aniracetam or Pramiracetam for maximum focus and motivation.
Article last updated on: March 3rd, 2018 by Nootriment