DHEA: the Multi-Purpose Hormone

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is an important precursor hormone that achieves its action once it is converted into the male and female sex hormones. In essence, it is the body’s “fuel” for testosterone, estrogen and progestin. As we age, the body is capable of making less and less of these essential hormones but it is possible to boost hormone levels by dietary supplementation of DHEA, thus providing sufficient “fuel” for the body to create enough of the sex hormones we need for metabolic balance.

In addition, there is increasing evidence that DHEA plays an important role in the immune system. One mechanism that has been proposed is that DHEA binds to receptors in the cells lining our blood vessels, thus for example reducing risk of atherosclerosis.

Typical signs of low DHEA include:

• Frequent rheumatism
• Painful and possible deformed fingers
• Undue bone loss
• Thin flaccid skin
• Loss of muscle
• Armpit and pubic hair loss
• Significantly decreased sex drive
• Fatigue
• Anxiety and depression