What you should know about using DHEA

One of the most popular and widely used supplement today is DHEA. It is important to understand exactly what DHEA is, how it is used and most importantly if you should be using it.

DHEA is a steroid hormone, that's produced by the adrenal glands. The body then converts DHEA, to male and female sex hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. Research has shown that DHEA levels typically peak by the time people are in their 20s and decline with age. This is primarily why there has been considerable interest in DHEA, and its role in aging. In addition, DHEA supplements have been touted as an anti-aging hormone, because lower levels of DHEA, have been reported in some people with type 2 diabetes, breast cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis, AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, kidney disease and anorexia. It should be noted that certain medications may also deplete DHEA, such as corticosteroids, insulin, opiates and danazol.

DHEA supplements are made in a laboratory, from a substance called diosgenin, (found in soybeans and wild yam). Consumers should be aware that wild yam cream and supplements are often promoted as being a natural source of DHEA, but the body can't convert wild yam to DHEA on its own, the conversion must be done in a laboratory. DHEA supplements were taken off the U.S. market, in 1985, because of concerns about false claims regarding its benefits. It then became available only by prescription, but was reintroduced as a nutritional supplement, in 1994.

While DHEA is used primarily as an anti-aging supplement, there is also research into conditions, where DHEA has been found to be low. It should be understood, however, that at this point there is little research showing its effectiveness, despite its widespread use. Here is an overview of the many reasons, DHEA is taken-

• Aging


• Depression


• Menopause


• Obesity


• Osteoporosis


• Sexual dysfunction


• Adrenal Insufficiency


• Lupus


• Alzheimer's disease


• Chronic fatigue syndrome


• Crohns disease


• Heart disease


• Schizophrenia

It cannot be stressed enough that DHEA is a hormone, so it should only be used under the supervision of a qualified health practitioner. It is advised that pregnant or nursing women, or children, should not use DHEA. At this point in time there have been no studies on the long-term safety of DHEA.

There are reported side effects of using DHEA. One of the more common side effects of DHEA supplements is acne. Other side effects can include:abdominal pain, hair loss, insomnia, nasal congestion, fatigue, oily skin, rapid or irregular heartbeats, or heart palpitations. In addition, DHEA supplements may alter liver function, so people with liver disease should not use DHEA. In addition, people with mood disorders such as depression should only use DHEA, under the supervision of their health-care provider, as DHEA supplementation may worsen mood. High levels of the body's natural DHEA has been associated with psychotic disorders, so people with or at risk for psychotic disorders shouldn't use DHEA, unless under the supervision of their health-care provider.

There are also possible drug interactions when using DHEA that anyone considering it, should be aware of. These include:
DHEA supplements may interfere with the effectiveness of:

• Anti-psychotic drugs.


• DHEA supplements may increase the effects of the following medications:


• AZT-HIV medication


• Barbiturates-medications for sleep disorders


• Cisplatic-cancer medication


• Estrogen and oral contraceptives


• Testosterone


• Benzodiazepines, used for anxiety and sleeping disorders


• DHEA may interact in unpredictable ways with the following drugs:


• Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, hydrocortisone, that are prescribed for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, asthma and skin infections.


• Insulin


• Lithium