In the article, we will consider the instructions for use and reviews for DHEA.
Since ancient times, humanity has been dreaming of finding the secret of the elixir of immortality - a means for longevity and eternal youth, but meanwhile, this substance is present in the body in every person - this is dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA). This hormone is called the mother of all hormones, since it is he who is the progenitor of all steroid and sex hormones. DHEA is responsible for sex drive, a clear mind, memory, physical endurance and muscle strength.
DHEA – what is it?
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a multifunctional steroid element that is not related to hormonal substances. In the body, the synthesis of DHEA takes place with the participation of the enzyme 17-alpha-hydroxylase. Previously formed from cholesterol, pregnenolone is converted by this enzyme into 17-hydroxypregnenolone, converted into dehydroepiandrosterone.
DHEA, being exposed toother enzymes of the steroidogenic pathway, is transformed into androstenedione and androstenediol, as well as into dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, as a result - the main steroid (C19), which is secreted by the ovaries and adrenal cortex. It is excreted mainly in the urine and makes up the main fraction of 17-ketosteroids. In the process of metabolism of this substance in peripheral tissues, dihydrotestosterone and testosterone are formed.
DHEA-S has a relatively low androgenic activity, which is approximately 10% of the total testosterone level for the unsulfonated hormone. However, its biological activity is enhanced by its high blood concentrations, which are typically 100 or 1000 times greater than testosterone, and by its negligible affinity for steroid-binding β-globulin. The content of DHEA-S in the blood is a marker of the production of androgens by the adrenal glands.
Deviations from the norm
Low levels of the hormone are characteristic of adrenal hypofunction, while high levels are characteristic of carcinoma or virilizing adenoma, deficiency of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 21-hydroxylase, some cases of hirsutism in women, etc. Since only a small part of this hormone is produced by the gonads, determining the level of DHEA-S can help in finding the localization of the source of androgens. If a woman has a high level of testosterone, then by measuring the level of DHEA-S, you can determine whether this is due to adrenal disease or ovarian pathologies. DHEA-S secretion cannot be related to the circadian rhythm.
PlaceboA controlled randomized trial has proven that DHEA taken orally (in the form of sports supplements) has no effect on strength gains, muscle mass, or testosterone levels.
Reviews on DHEA below.
What's the use?
Along with a decrease in DHEA, the production of estrogen and testosterone decreases, which leads to a deterioration in well-being and the development of age-related changes in the body. To slow down or prevent them, it is recommended to take medications containing dehydroepiandrosterone, of which there is a large selection today.
According to men, DHEA is very popular today in the form of sports supplements.
Taking it helps:
- stabilize hormone levels, ease menopause, normalize the menstrual cycle, eliminate the symptoms of a crisis in men, help improve the general condition of hormonal disorders;
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease - atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome;
- slow down aging (external and internal);
- increase insulin sensitivity, reduce the chance of developing diabetes;
- recycle excess body fat, reduce weight without feeling tired and lack of energy, increase or decrease appetite (hormonal failure can lead not only to obesity, but also to dystrophy, anorexia, etc.);
- prevent the destruction of muscle tissue, accelerate their development, for which this hormone is usedin demand among bodybuilders and athletes;
- reduce the likelihood of oncological processes;
- increase bone strength, osteoblast activity, prevent osteoporosis;
- improve hydration of hair and skin;
- increase immunity after illness or surgery;
- eliminate the symptoms of chronic fatigue, anxiety and depression, increase mental activity, protect the brain from degenerative diseases;
- reduce the chance of getting AIDS.
Indications for use
The use of DHEA is needed to compensate for the lack of this hormone in the body and to help treat certain diseases associated with it. In addition, these medications can be prescribed:
- with autoimmune pathologies, to increase immune protection after serious illnesses, with HIV infection;
- to stabilize the work of the adrenal glands;
- to improve the general condition of elderly patients, slow down their age-related changes;
- to increase bone density, to combat osteoporosis, to reduce the likelihood of fractures in old age;
- to normalize mental activity and emotional state.
Lack of DHEA, according to reviews, manifests itself in the form of hormonal disorders, poor he alth, irritability and mood swings.
But since these symptoms may indicate not only a deficiency of thishormone, but also about a number of other pathologies, to determine the concentration of dehydrotestosterone, you need to contact a specialist and take a blood test for DHEA-S, which is performed on an empty stomach.
What is the disadvantage?
When a lack of the hormone dihydrotestosterone is detected, the doctor prescribes a certain preparation of this hormone. DHEA deficiency can cause:
- change in the regulation of vasoconstriction and dilation, an increase in the likelihood of hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, atherosclerosis;
- memory deterioration, development of degenerative pathologies of the brain, depression, mental disorders, anxiety;
- irreversible processes of premature aging;
- decreased immunity, increased risk of immune, cancer and other dangerous diseases;
- obesity, metabolic slowdown;
- muscular dystrophy;
- hormonal imbalance.
And an oversupply?
An excess of the hormone, as scientific studies have shown, does not carry significant side and toxic effects. Since DHEA is responsible for the production of testosterone, long-term use of high-dose DHEA medications in women may increase body and facial hair growth. This is evidenced by reviews of the drug. In reviews, men often write that due to the increase in estrogen, breasts can increase. In addition, an excess of this hormone increases the greasiness of the skin, provokes the formation of acne and other skin inflammations, and also causesirritability and fatigue.
Best DHEAs
There is a huge selection of drugs with dehydrotestosterone, among which are those that are most popular and occupy a leading position in the pharmacological market. These funds include:
- NATROL DHEA 10 mg - dietary supplement with a low dosage of the active element, recommended for taking in order to prevent a lack of dihydrotestosterone, slow down the aging process and improve brain activity, promotes weight loss. According to reviews, NATROL DHEA is generally well tolerated by the body. This medication contains calcium, which increases bone density and helps prevent osteoporosis.
- NATROL DHEA 25 mg. According to reviews, this dosage is the most optimal. An agent with an average dose, which is recommended to stabilize the hormonal balance and enhance the properties of the immune system, slows down age-related changes. As well as the composition of the previous medication, the composition of this drug is supplemented with calcium. Produced in a large package, which is designed for 6 months of admission. This is a better offer for those who have long-term hormonal therapy, as well as for family use, where several patients need to take this remedy at once. It is better to read reviews about NATROL DHEA in advance.
- NATROL DHEA 50 mg is a product with a high concentration of the active element, which is designed to compensate for a pronounced deficiency of dehydrotestosterone in the body. Helps to increaseimmunity and bone strength, normalization of well-being. Slows down the aging process, enhances memory, concentration, helps fight depression. Like other DHEA medications, this product is fortified with added calcium.
According to the reviews, the body also perceives DHEA 50 mg well, there are no side effects.
Instructions for use
You must take DHEA strictly according to the instructions or as prescribed by a specialist. As a rule, it is recommended to take 1 capsule 1 time per day with food. The dosage of the drug depends on the purpose for which it is taken. The initial dosage for women should be no more than 5 mg, for men - 10 mg.
Reviews about DHEA 50 mg are of interest to many. The drug is recommended to many patients in order to slow down aging and improve memory. For the treatment of diseases, the concentration of the active element is usually selected by the doctor and is higher. The maximum dose is 50 mg per day.
Contraindications
Despite the high efficiency, benefits and easy tolerability of drugs with DHEA (a detailed annotation is available in each package), they have contraindications for taking. Medicines with this hormone should not be used for oncological pathologies or precancerous conditions (for example, with dysplasia) of the cervix, ovaries and mammary glands in women, in men - of the prostate gland, as well as with a low level of HDL ("good" cholesterol).
Pregnant and lactating women
During pregnancy and lactation, a specialist may prescribe DHEA, but treatment in this case will be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to make a decision on the use of DHEA, like any other hormones, during pregnancy. It is also necessary to take such medicines with caution for people suffering from impaired functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, as well as under the age of 18.
According to reviews, DHEA from 25 years of age and above is most effective.
Pros and cons
Drugs with this hormone have the vast majority of advantages. The reviews write about their unconditional benefits. Women most often use such drugs to rejuvenate, improve well-being during menopause, adjust the menstrual cycle, and men - to increase endurance when playing sports, increase libido and normalize sexual functions.
The only downside noted in the reviews is that when taking such medications, it is necessary to constantly monitor the level of the hormone in the body, since with its excess content, the opposite effect is often observed.
Use for low AMH
According to reviews, DHEA helps quickly with low AMH.
Antimullerian hormone is an important female marker that indicates the ability to conceive. Determination of AMH indicators helps to understand how soon a woman's menopause will come, whether there is a chance of having a baby using IVF. Anti-Mullerian hormone analysis is extremely important in the treatment of infertility:the results make it clear whether there are follicles in the ovaries from which an egg can mature.
When the level of this hormone is low, DHEA medications are often prescribed, due to their ability to stimulate hormonal processes in the body at the level of the reproductive system. They normalize the level of sex hormones and increase the chances of conception.
DHEA reviews
Men who used these drugs left a lot of positive feedback. First of all, these are people who are actively involved in sports, including bodybuilding. Men observed that when taking the hormone, they significantly increased the endurance of the body, a feeling of activity appeared.
In addition, according to reviews of DHEA, after a certain period of use, normalization of sexual function was noted, especially in those men who had problems with potency. They also noticed that hair loss, which is often observed in men after 35 years of age, has decreased, and this is due to a change in the hormonal status of the body.
We reviewed the instructions and reviews about DHEA.
