DHEA - Rejuvenate Health

An Important Hormone for Aging and Well-Being

DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA levels peak in your 20s and then steadily decline with age. Taking DHEA supplements has become popular due to several potential health benefits linked to optimal DHEA levels:

• Anti-aging effects - Supplementing with DHEA may help slow signs of aging, as declining DHEA levels are associated with various age-related conditions.
• Improved mood - Some research finds DHEA supplements may help alleviate depression and improve well-being.
• Better brain function - Some evidence suggests optimal DHEA levels can help with memory, focus, and clarity as we age.
• Increased libido - DHEA has been used to improve flagging sex drive and sexual function, especially in older adults.
• Building muscle mass - Athletes sometimes use DHEA to try to build lean muscle and improve performance.

However, the true benefits of taking DHEA supplements are still under study. DHEA supplements may also interact with certain medications or medical conditions.

As we age, DHEA production steadily drops off: * By age 30, you make about half as much DHEA as in your 20s. * By 50, DHEA levels are only about 20-30% of peak levels. * By 70, you may make only 10-20% as much DHEA as when young.

Therefore, some anti-aging physicians at clinics like Rejuvenate Health check patients' DHEA levels and prescribe supplements if levels are suboptimal. However, there is no established standard dose for DHEA supplementation.

How Does DHEA Work?

DHEA exerts effects in the body by converting into sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Declining DHEA is believed to play a role in age-related decreases in these hormones.

Taking a DHEA supplement aims to make up for the decline in natural DHEA production. However, there are still open questions about the overall safety and ideal dosing protocols for DHEA supplementation.

As always, it's best to consult your doctor before taking DHEA or any new supplement, especially if you take medications or have any health conditions. While DHEA shows promise in alleviating age-related declines, more research is still needed on its long-term safety and efficacy.