At least for now, evidence does not support taking over-the-counter DHEA supplements on your own. If you want to age well, skip the "secret formulas" and follow the tried-and-true path of a good diet, an active mind and body, and good preventive medical care. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics.
Health Tools. Alternative Health. Reviewed: March 29, In some men, however, DHEA will mildly elevate estrogen levels, which would theoretically be good for those with prostate cancer since estrogen is known to help suppress prostate cancer cell growth. At the end of this article is a diagram showing the different endocrine pathways that DHEA can transform to in the body.
The preponderance of the published literature shows that higher DHEA blood levels do not cause prostate cancer. In fact, recent studies indicate that DHEA may confer a protective effect against prostate cancer. While some doctors still express theoretical concern that DHEA could cause prostate cancer, this theory loses credibility upon reading scientific studies showing that DHEA may protect against the development of prostate cancer.
Most prostate cancers develop in aged men that have extremely low levels of DHEA compared to when they were young. DHEA levels decline with age, yet prostate gland enlargement and cancers increase with age. Is it possible that DHEA, being a weak androgen, can actually attach to and block testosterone or DHT receptors on prostate tissue, thus preventing the influence by more powerful androgens?
We do not fully know the answer to this question, which is why we advise prostate cancer patients to proceed cautiously in considering whether or not to use low-dose DHEA. On one side are the studies showing DHEA to be critically important to just about every part of the body. A substantial body of evidence indicates that DHEA protects against and alleviates many age-related diseases and improves quality of life scores.
Therefore, asking a prostate cancer patient to forgo the systemic benefits of partial DHEA restoration therapy could mean that prostate cancer patient will suffer other serious diseases related to DHEA deficiency. On the other hand is the risk that higher DHEA levels could cause increased propagation of prostate cancer cells. If prostate cancer patients are going to supplement with DHEA, we would suggest a dose not higher than 15 mg to 25 mg every day or every other day.
One problem with prostate cancer patients taking DHEA are the contradicting studies in published literature and the fact that no definitive studies exist to confirm if low-dose DHEA is safe.
Some say that DHEA enhances athletic performance. Production of DHEA peaks when people are in their 20s and 30s , and then it declines. This is the main reason that DHEA is considered an important chemical in the aging process, and a potential target for anti-aging drugs.
Wild yam and soy contain chemicals that can be converted into DHEA in a laboratory. However, the body cannot convert them in the same way. Eating soy or yams will not increase DHEA levels. Research into DHEA has increased in recent years, but many questions remain about its effectiveness and possible adverse effects.
Its activities are not fully understood, but some researchers believe it helps protect neurons from toxins and after injuries, such as strokes. Some research suggests that it may contribute to nerve growth, and that it may help reduce inflammation and prevent cell death.
It may also modulate mood. For this reason, it has been studied for the treatment of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression.
Research published in the journal Nature in found that DHEA enhanced connections between the amygdala and hippocampus and reduced activity levels in both regions. These changes are thought to contribute to an enhanced mood and a reduced memory for emotional events. There are also concerns that DHEA can trigger mania, psychosis , and other mood changes, especially in people with bipolar disorder and other mental health issues.
DHEA is not recommended for use alongside various drugs, including antidepressants , mood stablizers, and anti-seizure drugs. Under caloric restriction, for example, DHEA quantities increase. For this reason, some have suggested that caloric restriction might increase lifespan. Over the last decade, DHEA has been studied for its effectiveness in treating a number of diseases and conditions.
Success rates have varied. Some diseases cause a reduction in bone density. Some research suggests that artificially raising DHEA levels helps increase bone density, especially in women.
However, not all studies have produced positive results. Depression has been linked to low blood levels of DHEA. There is evidence that DHEA could help relieve symptoms of depression. A review of research, published in , suggested that DHEA might improve symptoms of depression in people with schizophrenia , anorexia nervosa , HIV , and adrenal insufficiency. Some evidence suggests that DHEA may help reduce weight in older patients with metabolic conditions.
This can only happen, however, if the body can convert the DHEA in the supplements into androgens or estrogens. The effect on younger people with excess weight is not known. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. DHEA protects against visceral obesity and muscle insulin resistance in rats fed a high-fat diet.
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