DHEA - The Anti-Aging Wonder Hormone (October 17, 2011)

DHEA

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a central hormone produced in the human body by the adrenal gland located near the liver and kidneys. In men, it is also secreted by the testes. It serves as the forerunner to the hormone called androstenedione. It is then changed into the male sex hormone androgen and the female sex hormone estrogen.

Since first being discovered in the 1930's, DHEA was found to decrease in men and women as they aged, setting off many years of research into the anti-aging properties of this hormone. In the 1990's until 2000, the "pill of youth" was studied in many clinical trials. From this point on, it was labeled the hormone of youth as DHEA levels in the human body start to decrease after about the age of 30.

Anti-Aging Potential

Currently, there are over 100 scientific articles that have surfaced in the last 4 years in the treatment of diseases with DHEA. However, studies for staying healthier with the use of DHEA are lacking. Many doctors that have a good understanding of this hormone do advice their patients to take a DHEA supplement after the age of 30 as a preventative measure against some serious illnesses. New studies are being conducted by many researchers as they understand the importance of DHEA and its anti-aging properties.

DHEA is a steroid hormone that is produced in the body naturally and has scientists excited with the aspects of an anti-aging hormone and even as a helper hormone in many diseases. For the consumer who has no known diseases or conditions other than just the aging process which so many people dislike, a DHEA supplement should compliment their other vitamin regimes.

DHEA Level Testing

It is important that consumers be aware of where their DHEA levels are at the start of taking this hormone. The person can choose to visit their doctor or have their DHEA levels checked by purchasing a DHEA blood test so that they know how much of the hormone to take daily. Periodic monitoring of your DHEA levels in the blood is recommended to ensure that you are taking the right amount for you. Other hormone levels should also be tested as DHEA helps the human body stimulate the production of Testosterone and Estrogen.

Can The Claims Be True

This "youth pill" is being used to slow or even reverse the aging process, improve the cognitive skills in the older population and even possibly slowing the devastating effects of Alzheimer's disease.

This wonder hormone is being used for erectile dysfunction, weight loss, symptoms of menopause, systemic lupus, osteoporosis, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, prevention of heart disease, metabolic syndrome, diabetes and cancer. It is even being used for people diagnosed with HIV or AIDS for fatigue and depression.

For patients who are critically ill, suffer from end-stage kidney disease, AIDS, type 2 diabetes and adrenal insufficiency, DHEA levels are usually found to be very low. Some drugs such as corticosteroids, insulin, danazol and opiates have been known to deplete DHEA levels. It is possible that once the DHEA levels are brought up to normal levels, some of the diseases that required prescription medication may be able to be reduced or eliminated.

DHEA may increase the risk of certain cancers that are hormone sensitive. This makes it extremely important to utilize a licensed health professional if you are at high risk of some cancers. Always follow your doctor's advice since they are the most intimate with your health care and needs.

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) is currently investigating the claims of this anti-aging hormone for approval of certain conditions. The pharmaceutical companies compile all their studies and research and send it off to the FDA for approval and there will be many more investigations required as researchers finish compiling all of their data from many past and current studies that are nearing completion.

With the ever expanding evidence that DHEA can and does prevent or reverse the aging diseases which are marked as the most prominent points such as atherosclerosis (hardening and clogging of the arteries), reduced immunity to illness, diabetes and cancer. The mounting evidence clearly indicates the level of DHEA in an individual's blood predicts with an excellent certainty the amount of aging process going on with different people. DHEA is one of the most important factors in diagnosing aging-related diseases".

It should be noted that DHEA does increase muscle mass, energy and strength. Therefore, it is banned by the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association).