The Truth about DHEA
What is The Truth About DHEA? Let’s find out! Technically known as “Dehydroepiandrosterone”, it is a natural hormone that is produced and regulated by the adrenal gland. It regulates the production of testosterone and estrogen as well as other hormones.
How Is It Created?
DHEA as a dietary supplement is manufactured from chemicals found in vegetables; namely soybeans and yams. Although the product is synthesized as a derivative of these plants, individuals cannot gain its direct benefits by eating these foods.
The body uses this impressive compound by converting it into Androstenedione, which acts like a hormonal enhancement supplement. During your late teens until your mid 30’s the body produces these hormones at peak levels. Eventually, levels of these hormones begin to slide downwards until you are down to low levels in your 70’s and 80’s.
Products containing DHEA often suggest that they can boost the immune system, enhance long-term memory and increase muscle mass. Although studies have produced promising results in animals, more research using human test subjects needs to be done.
The Benefits Of DHEA
DHEA might help improve overall mood and bone density when used in conjunction with hormone replacement therapies. It may also help prevent as well as provide a treatment for osteoporosis in women after menopause.
Some evidence suggests that it may increase sexual dysfunction in women over the age of 65 and possibly improve erectile dysfunction (ED) in men that have low-levels of this hormone in their bodies.
Other benefits of using DHEA are that it can mollify the effects of depression as well as chronic fatigue syndrome. The ability of this compound to stimulate testosterone make it a sports enhancement drug in the eyes of the Olympic Committee as well as the National Basketball Association (NBA). That means it is banned from use by these Federations.
How To Use DHEA
Studies suggest that if 50-100 mg is taken per day, older lifters (65 and up) will experience increased muscle mass and improved overall health. In fact, most lifters do state that their overall health and mental well being greatly improve with its usage.
Many professional trainers would point you towards other Andro products to gain muscle mass and fat reduction. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has classified it s a dietary supplement. While not really a hardcore bodybuilding supplement, DHEA may be very beneficial to older lifters with declining natural levels.