In the article, we consider the instructions for use and reviews of DHEA.
Since ancient times, mankind has been dreaming of finding the secret of the elixir of immortality - a means for longevity and eternal youth, and meanwhile, this substance is present in the body in every person - this is dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA). This hormone is called the foremother 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, DHEA synthesis takes place with the participation of the enzyme 17-alpha-hydroxylase. Pregnenolone previously formed from cholesterol is converted by this enzyme into 17-hydroxypregnenolone, and is converted to dehydroepiandrosterone.
DHEA, exposed to other 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 urine and forms the main fraction of 17-ketosteroids. During the metabolism of this substance in the peripheral tissues, dihydrotestosterone and testosterone are formed.
DHEA-C has a relatively low androgenic activity, which for non-sulfonated hormone is approximately 10% of the total testosterone level. However, its biological activity is enhanced due to high concentrations in the blood, which are usually 100 or 1000 times higher than testosterone, and also because of its low affinity for steroids-binding β-globulin. Blood DHEA-C is a marker of adrenal androgen production.
Deviations from the norm
A low level of the hormone is characteristic for adrenal hypofunction, a high one for carcinoma or virilizing adenoma, deficiency of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 21-hydroxylase, some cases of the development of hirsutism in women, etc. Since only an insignificant part of this hormone is produced by the sex glands, determining the level of DHEA-C can help in finding the localization of the androgen source. If a woman has a high level of testosterone, then by determining the level of DHEA-C, you can determine whether this is due to adrenal disease or ovarian pathologies. DHEA-C secretion cannot be associated with circadian rhythm.
A placebo-controlled randomized trial proved that DHEA when taken orally (in the form of sports supplements) did not affect the growth of strength, muscle mass and testosterone levels.
Reviews on DHEA consider below.
What is the use?
Together 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 them down or prevent them, it is recommended to take medications containing dehydroepiandrosterone, which today there is a large selection.
According to men, DHEA today is very popular in the form of sports supplements.
Receiving it helps:
- stabilize the level of hormones, facilitate the course of menopause, normalize the menstrual cycle, eliminate the symptoms of the crisis in men, help improve the general condition of hormonal disorders;
- reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases - atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and metabolic syndrome;
- slow down aging (external and internal);
- increase sensitivity to insulin, reduce the likelihood of developing diabetes;
- to process excess body fat, reduce weight without feeling tired and fatigued, 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 in demand among bodybuilders and athletes;
- reduce the likelihood of oncological processes;
- increase bone strength, osteoblast activity, prevent the development of osteoporosis;
- improve the hydration of hair and skin;
- increase immunity after illness or surgery;
- eliminate symptoms of chronic fatigue, anxiety and depressive states, increase mental activity, protect the brain from degenerative diseases;
- reduce the chance of getting AIDS.
Indications for use
The use of DHEA is necessary to fill the deficiency in the body of this hormone and to help in the treatment of certain diseases associated with it. In addition, such medications can be prescribed:
- with autoimmune pathologies, to increase immune defense after serious diseases, with HIV infection;
- to stabilize the adrenal glands;
- to improve the general condition of elderly patients, slowing age-related changes in them;
- to increase bone density, in the fight against osteoporosis, to reduce the likelihood of fractures in old age;
- to normalize mental activity and emotional state.
DHEA deficiency, according to reviews, manifests itself in the form of hormonal disorders, poor health, irritability and mood swings.
But since these symptoms can indicate not only a deficiency of this hormone, but also 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 fraught with a disadvantage?
If a dehydrotestosterone hormone deficiency is detected, the doctor prescribes a specific drug for this hormone. DHEA deficiency can cause:
- changes in regulation of vasoconstriction and vasodilation, increased likelihood of hypertension, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis;
- memory impairment, the development of degenerative brain pathologies, depression, mental disorders, anxiety;
- irreversible processes of premature aging;
- decreased immunity, increased risk of immune, oncological and other dangerous diseases;
- obesity, slowing down metabolic processes;
- muscle dystrophy;
- hormonal imbalance.
And an oversupply?
An excess of the hormone, as shown by scientific studies, does not carry significant side and toxic effects. Since DHEA is responsible for the production of testosterone, with prolonged use of high-dose DHEA medications in women, hair growth on the body and face can increase. This is evidenced by reviews of the drug. In reviews, men often write that due to an increase in estrogen, breasts can increase. In addition, an excess of this hormone enhances the sebum of the skin, provokes the formation of acne and other skin inflammations, and also causes irritability and fatigue.
Best DHEA drugs
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. Such funds include:
- NATROL DHEA 10 mg - Supplements with a low dosage of the active element, recommended for use in order to prevent dehydrotestosterone deficiency, slow down the aging process and improve brain activity, contributes to weight loss. According to reviews, NATROL DHEA is usually well tolerated by the body. The composition of this medication includes calcium, which increases bone density and helps to prevent the development of osteoporosis.
- NATROL DHEA 25 mg. According to reviews, this dosage is the most optimal. An agent with an average dose, which is recommended for stabilizing the hormonal balance and enhancing the properties of immunity, slows down age-related changes. As well as the composition of the previous medication, the composition of this drug is supplemented with calcium. It is produced in large packaging, which is designed for 6 months of administration. This is a more advantageous offer for those who have long-term hormone therapy, as well as for family use, where several patients need to take this drug at once. Review NATROL DHEA reviews in advance.
- NATROL DHEA 50 mg - a drug with a high concentration of the active element, which is designed to fill up a pronounced deficiency of dehydrotestosterone in the body. Helps increase immunity and bone strength, normalize well-being. Slows down the aging process, enhances memory, concentration, helps fight depressive conditions. Like other DHEA medications, this product is enhanced by the addition of calcium.
According to reviews, DHEA 50 mg the body also perceives well, no side effects are observed.
Instructions for use
It is necessary to take DHEA strictly according to the instructions or as directed by a specialist. As a rule, it is recommended to take 1 capsule 1 time per day with meals. 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 on DHEA 50 mg are of interest to many. The drug is recommended for 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 a doctor and is higher. The maximum dose is 50 mg per day.
Contraindications
Despite the high efficiency, benefit and easy tolerance of medications with DHEA (a detailed summary is in each package), they have contraindications for use. Medicines with this hormone cannot be used for oncological pathologies or for a precancerous condition (for example, with dysplasia) of the cervix, ovaries and mammary glands in women, in men - the prostate gland, and also with a low level of HDL (“good” cholesterol).
Pregnant and lactating women
During pregnancy and lactation, a specialist can prescribe DHEA, but treatment in this case will be carried out under the strict supervision of a doctor. It is strictly forbidden to independently decide on the use of DHEA, like any other hormones, during pregnancy. With caution, taking such medications is also necessary for people suffering from impaired functioning of the thyroid gland and adrenal glands, as well as under the age of 18 years.
According to reviews, DHEA from 25 years old and above is most effective.
Pros and cons
Preparations with this hormone have the vast majority of advantages. The reviews write about their unconditional benefit. Women most often use such funds to rejuvenate, improve well-being with menopause, and adjust the menstrual cycle, and men - to increase endurance during sports, increase libido and normalize sexual functions.
The only thing noted in the reviews 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 excessive content the opposite effect is often observed.
Low AMG use
According to reviews, DHEA at low AMH helps quickly.
Anti-Muller hormone is an important female marker that indicates the ability to conceive. Determination of AMG indicators helps to understand how soon a woman will have menopause, is there a chance of having a baby using IVF. Analysis of the antimuller hormone is extremely important in the treatment of infertility: the results make it clear whether there are follicles in the ovaries from which the egg can mature.
With a low level of this hormone, 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 reviews. First of all, these are people who are actively involved in sports, including bodybuilding. Men observed that when taking the hormone, their stamina increased significantly, a feeling of activity appeared.
In addition, according to reviews of DHEA, after a certain period of administration, 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, has decreased, and this is due to a change in the hormonal status of the body.
We reviewed DHEA instructions and reviews.