How is dhea produced

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. A small study of 26 people with anorexia nervosa found that those who took milligrams mg of DHEA supplements for 6 months saw an increase in body mass index BMI and also enhancements in mood.

Supplementing with DHEA can reduce symptoms of adrenal insufficiency, but side effects can be substantial. Further evidence is needed to confirm its effectiveness overall. This is an autoimmune disorder affecting the skin and organs. DHEA levels are lower than normal in women with lupus. Some research shows that DHEA improves a number of lupus symptoms. Some studies suggest DHEA may help people with deficits in sexual function, libido, and erectile dysfunction. However, other results have been inconclusive.

The effect appears to be more significant in women who have undergone menopause. Evidence that DHEA supplements could help stave off age-related changes is weak or unproven. Some studies have suggested that DHEA might help prevent replication of the HIV virus and bolster the immune system, but the authors of at least one study, published in , found that it did not have these effects. The researchers did not recommend using it routinely as an additional therapy for people with HIV. Results of laboratory investigations suggest that DHEA may inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells, and that it could protect against the migration of cancer cells.

In older people, there is a small amount of weak evidence that supports this type of effect. Most studies, especially in adults, have found little or no effect. DHEA is widely available to purchase over-the-counter, but there is scant evidence to support its safety or effectiveness.

Many sources advise against using DHEA, especially without first seeking medical advice, because of the possible side effects. DHEA affects the endocrine system, which means it affects hormonal activity. Hormonal changes can impact on a range of body systems. As a result, a wide variety of side effects are possible.

In addition, DHEA has not been tested or widely used over a long period of time, so it is not clear what the long-term effects might be.

Because 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones by the body, the risk of some of the hormonal side effects is reduced. Some experts have suggested dehydroepiandrosterone supplements might overcome age-related decline a so-called 'elixir of youth' but this is not supported by current evidence.

Some athletes and bodybuilders also take dehydroepiandrosterone an anabolic steroid to increase muscle mass and strength. Serious side-effects from taking manufactured dehydroepiandrosterone have been reported and it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

However, exercise and calorie-restriction have been shown to increase natural dehydroepiandrosterone levels in the body and may lead to longer life. Since , dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in combination with gonadotropins has been used in reproductive medicine as a way to treat female infertility.

Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone have been linked with shorter lifespan in men but not women. However, the reason for this is not fully understood.

In women, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone are associated with low libido , reduced bone mineral density and osteoporosis. However, supplementation with commercially available dehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended as there is concern about numerous possible side-effects.

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Thank you for Subscribing Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Please try again. Something went wrong on our side, please try again. Show references DHEA. Natural Medicines. Accessed Jan. Pizzorono JE, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA. In: Textbook of Natural Medicine.