Benefits of DHEA

Before we discuss the question Is DHEA safe?, let's briefly go over what this webpage will entail.

I will discuss not only the safety of DHEA, but the benefits of DHEA, DHEA side effects, even DHEA and hair loss as well.

First, let's discuss what DHEA is. The natural steroid DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a very abundant hormone manufactured by the adrenal glands.

DHEA is converted into the female sex hormone estrogen and the male sex hormone androgen.

Now that we know what it basically is, let's discuss the marketing aspect of DHEA.

It has been hyped, as many new supplements are, as the source of many desirable advantages including increasing the libido, improving memory, preventing osteoporosis, as a diet aid, as a fat melter, and the source of a perpetual fountain of youth.

Where's the truth and what's the lie?

Let's separate fact from fiction, the truth from error. First, what are the benefits of DHEA? These are the main benefits ascribed to DHEA by its proponents:

• It is purported to help with cardiovascular disease.
• It is believed to improve energy, stamina, and increase the sex drive.
• It is believed to have some antioxidant properties though not as pronounced as vitamin E or other substances.
• In tests with rodent, it can promote weight loss.
• It is believed to help fight cancer and even diabetes -- again according to tests with rodents.
• DHEA is believed to be able to increase muscle mass and strength in both men and women.
• DHEA is believed to help stave off Parkinson's lupus, and Alzheimer's disease.
• It is believed to boost immune system functionality as well.

The list is impressive, but we caution that more research needs to be done. If you do take or plan on taking DHEA, be cautious. Consult with a trained medical professional.

Is dhea Safe? DHEA Side Effects & Precautions

Even though it is sold as a supplement, DHEA is a powerful hormone and should be used only under a physician's supervision. At this juncture, while studies are currently underway, the long-term effects of DHEA are undetermined.

It's also advisable to have a blood test conducted before you start taking the supplement so as to determine your level of the DHEA hormone.

Incidentally, a maintenance dose is 5 to 10 mg a week. Healthy people under 50, doctors say, don't usually need DHEA. Be advised that clinical studies confirm that some cancers are adversely affected by hormone levels in the body.

Before starting to take DHEA, have your physician check you for hormone related cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer.

Lastly, high levels of DHEA also can cause increased facial hair in women and a deepening of the voice. Increased oily skin is also common as are menstrual irregularities in women, and mood swings.

Large doses cause heart palpitations and heart arrhythmia as well. DHEA and hair loss also seem to be related as well due to increased levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone). How? Because DHEA increases testosterone (the male hormone) in the body.

So, to definitively answer the question "is DHEA safe?" the answers is possibly yes. However, the evidence is scanty that DHEA could cause death, but the side effects are well documented.

Final word: Like many powerful herbs, medicines, foods, and medications, DHEA is safe if not abused with high doses.

Caution suggests, though, that it should not be taken long-term nor if you're under 50. It is especially advised that pregnant and/or nursing women should not take DHEA.

Is DHEA Safe?

Is DHEA safe? Yes, but use caution. Doctors believe taking more than 35 to 50 mg per day is an unnecessary risk. Many practitioners believe taking as little as 5 mg a day is adequate as the body produces 10 to 15 mg per day.

Final word:
Those over 50, both men and women, may gain from taking a DHEA supplement as their natural DHEA production drops in one's mid to late 40s. First, though, most medical professionals as well as naturopathic doctors looking for an alternative that can provide the same benefits. I agree. Ginseng, for example, can increase the sex drive.

Bee Pollen can give more energy and increase resistance against disease while enhancing athletic ability.

The vitamin C and vitamin E are powerful antioxidants in the system and N-acetylcysteine (commonly called NAC) increases immune system capability while helping to prevent heart disease For these reasons, our personal choice over DHEA is a Bee Pollen Supplement With Ginseng and other nutrients.

It gives me all that DHEA can do without the unnecessary risks. I hope you can see the advantage of that.

I hope this "Is DHEA safe" webpage has been useful to you.

Yours in health,
Nutritional-Supplement-Bible.com