If you are at all interested in longevity and life extension and using supplements that seem to have antiaging benefits, then you have no doubt heard of DHEA. Perhaps you are already even using DHEA as part of your antiaging regimen.
Let’s take a deeper dive into the pros and cons of using DHEA for antiaging.
DHEA is an adrenal steroid hormone made by the adrenal glands. Like testosterone, DHEA is essential for burning fat and building muscle. Also, like testosterone, DHEA levels naturally decline as you age. For a long time, antiaging advocates have believed that replacing that natural decline, which starts in your 20s via DHEA supplements, has many antiaging benefits. Some of the known benefits or “pros” of DHEA include:
Improves skin health – There is some evidence to suggest that the elasticity of the skin can be enhanced and improved by DHEA supplements. It makes your skin thicker and can even help to reduce skin pigmentation that occurs as a result of aging.
Can ease symptoms of erectile dysfunction – DHEA, like its cousin, testosterone, is a precursor to your body’s production of nitrous oxide. Nitrous oxide helps to open blood vessels and improve blood flow to the penis, which can improve the symptoms of ED. There have also been reports that DHEA can improve libido or sex drive.
Improves bone health – Older men and particularly menopausal women, are prone to bone loss and osteoporosis. Some studies have shown that DHEA can improve bone density over time and make bones much less brittle and reduce the risk of osteoporosis-related fractures that are common in older men and women.
Other reported benefits of DHEA include:
- Strengthening the immune system
- Increased energy
- Improving mood and memory
But the use of DHEA is not without some controversy, and its detractors point out its “cons” as well. Possible side effects from DHEA supplements include unwanted hair growth, acne, and irregular menstrual periods in women, and testosterone suppression in men.
Some of the “cons” of DHEA include:
It is most effective when used with a doctor’s supervision – You should not simply take DHEA as you would any other over-the-counter supplement. DHEA should always consult with a medical professional before you begin a regimen and should never take it if you are pregnant. It is also not recommended that young individuals take DHEA orally because their bodies already produce enough. Since you have to seek the guidance of a medical professional before you begin taking DHEA, it is not a supplement that is ideal for everyone seeking an antiaging supplement.
It can be hard to find the right dosage – Finding the right dose of DHEA that works for you is not always easy. It is a bit of a trial and error process to obtain the dosage that is most beneficial for you. Many people get frustrated during the process and never find the best dosage. Beyond that, DHEA is a powerful hormone; taking too much or taking it incorrectly can be toxic or dangerous. This is another good reason NOT to use DHEA without a doctor’s supervision.
Can Cause Hypergonadism – Since DHEA is a precursor to testosterone production, it can cause a condition known as hypogonadism or excess testosterone. Women should be aware of signs of masculinization, such as hair loss, a deepening voice, and weight gain around the waist. Men should also be aware of the risks of excess testosterone, such as male pattern baldness and shrinkage of the testicles.
Conclusion
The bottom line is DHEA supplements are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and using them as over-the-counter antiaging supplements can be beneficial, but only when used under the advice of antiaging medical professionals.