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| DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It peaks at approximately age 25 and then declines. Proponents of DHEA use often argue that since DHEA levels decrease with age, supplementing DHEA will reduce many age-related disorders. In essence, they argue: "The day DHEA begins to decline is the day that an individual "starts dying". Studies have shown that when it falls to very low levels, the end is close for most individuals. The lower one's DHEA, the less one's expected longevity. The more above 150 that levels are, the longer a person is expected to live. It should improve not only the quantity of one's life, but the quality as well." Source DHEA comes form natural sources such as the Mexican yam (Dioscorea). There have been many studies done and some of the research shows that this DHEA may be an anti-aging product, and if used in physiologic doses, can retard this natural process of aging. In over 2,500 medical references regarding this substance, there are some excellent articles in the prevention of cancer, arteriosclerosis, autoimmune diseases such as lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, hypercholesterolemia, depression and osteoporosis. It also helps sexual function and causes weight loss in the overweight patient and has been touted to reduce the sugar lowering mediations in diabetes. Several studies like the following have not shown an obvious benefit. While there are some studies that have shown DHEA to have an effect on incidence of heart disease, and may help therapeutically with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE, lupus); it is not recommended as a supplement for everyone (because of its ability to raise testosterone and estrogen levels, a possible problem for those at increased risk of prostate or breast cancers). While younger women with breast cancer may have low levels of DHEA, postmenopausal women with breast cancer appear to have high levels of DHEA, which has researchers concerned. Until more is known, it would be prudent for people with breast or prostate cancer or a family history of these conditions to avoid supplementing with DHEA, or monitor their levels. |