DHEA - Rejuvenate Clinic

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone that is produced naturally in the body. It is considered a "precursor" hormone because it is converted into other essential hormones like testosterone and estrogen. DHEA levels peak around age 25 and then start to steadily decline as we get older. This gradual decline of DHEA over time is believed to contribute to issues like:

• Loss of muscle mass
• Decreased bone density
• Increased body fat
• Reduced energy levels
• Impaired immune function
• Low libido

Supplementing with DHEA is popular to try to restore youthful levels, especially among middle-aged to elderly individuals. But it's important to understand the risks before taking DHEA supplements.

What Are the Potential Benefits of DHEA Supplements?

• May help build lean muscle mass by increasing testosterone
• May improve bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk
• May enhance mood, cognitive function, and immunity
• May boost libido and sexual function
• May improve skin hydration, thickness and collagen content

However, more research is still needed to confirm these theoretical benefits of DHEA supplementation.

What Are the Risks and Side Effects of Taking DHEA?

• Can convert to estrogen and worsen hormone-sensitive conditions
• May cause oily skin, acne, and unwanted hair growth
• Interacts with certain medications like blood thinners
• Unclear long-term safety at high doses
• Quality control issues in unregulated supplements

Overall, the risks likely outweigh benefits for most healthy adults under age 50. Talk to your doctor before using DHEA.

Who Should Not Take DHEA Supplements?

These populations should avoid DHEA due to safety concerns:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding
• People with hormone-sensitive cancers like breast and prostate cancer
• Those taking medications that interact with hormones
• Children and teenagers under 18
• Healthy adults under 30 with normal DHEA levels

In otherwise healthy adults over 30, DHEA supplementation may provide modest benefits. But complementary approaches like exercise, stress management, and a healthy diet can often optimize DHEA levels naturally.

Conclusion:

• DHEA is an endogenous hormone that declines with age
• Supplements may provide some anti-aging and performance benefits
• But DHEA also carries health risks like disrupting hormone balance
• Work with your healthcare provider at Rejuvenate Clinic to determine if supplementation is appropriate for your individual health needs

Let me know if you have any other questions!