DHEA is one of the hormones produced by the adrenal glands. When these do not produce enough hormones, including DHEA and cortisol, this is called adrenal insufficiency. Women with this disorder who have been given DHEA have reported experiencing improved sexuality and feelings of well-being (including reduced feelings of depression and anxiety).
Numerous studies suggest that DHEA can improve well-being, quality of life, ability to exercise, libido, hormone levels, in people with adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) .
Studies in humans have shown that DHEA supplement treatment is a complementary therapy to testosterone treatment. Among aging men, the amount of “free” testosterone, or testosterone available to the body, drops faster than the total level of testosterone. Therefore, it is important to design a hormone replacement program that increases the level of free testosterone.
Clinical studies
- A 2006 study, in which men with an average age of 65 took DHEA, showed that they experienced a significant increase in testosterone and cCGM (Cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate) levels, and a decrease important low-density lipoprotein (LDL) content. The authors indicate that these findings suggest that regular intake of DHEA supplements would have an antiatherogenic effect, particularly in elderly subjects who have a low circulating level of this hormone.
- A 2005 study measured serum DHEA in 206 men with type 2 diabetes and found an inverse relationship between serum DHEA levels and carotid atherosclerosis. The authors say the study supports the notion that DHEA, which is increasingly consumed as a dietary supplement, possesses artery-protective qualities in humans, and that hormone replacement therapy should be considered for affected men. of hypogonadism.
- In a study carried out in 1997, it was shown that the level of DHEA in the blood parallels that of “free” testosterone. The study authors suggest that DHEA may help increase free testosterone levels. If this conclusion is correct, then DHEA supplement treatment would not only increase blood DHEA levels, but also increase free testosterone levels.
