Doctors Choice, Naturally

What is DHEA?

DHEA (short for dehydroepiandrosterone) is one of the most important hormones in the bloodstream.

How Does DHEA Work?
DHEA is often called the “mother hormone” by researchers because it’s the building block of so many other critical body hormones including estrogen, corticosterone, testosterone, progesterone and others. Together, these hormones regulate a wide variety of key functions in the body including fat and mineral metabolism, energy levels, endocrine and reproductive functions and much more. DHEA reaches its peak levels around the age of 20-25, but decreases sharply as we age. By age 40, we have only 50% of our youthful DHEA levels, and by age 70-80, only about 10%. This is because “an enzyme essential for the synthesis of DHEA is functionally reduced with aging” and it is “not possible to activate or replace the enzyme.” — Journal of Clinical Endocrinological Metabolism So how do lower DHEA levels affect us as we age? The fact is, one of the most important medical breakthroughs of the last two decades has been the discovery that declining levels of DHEA have been shown to be ONE OF THE PRIMARY FACTORS IN AGING AND AGE-RELATED DISEASES.

Clinical Studies
Anti-Aging
Patients and doctors are reporting that using DHEA as a dietary supplement promotes a youthful feeling of well-being and a much more positive outlook on life. In a 1990 study at the University of California Medical School at La Jolla, a group of men and women age 40 to 70 were given 50 mg of DHEA per day for six months. At the end of the study, 84% of the women and 67% of the men reported a remarkable increase in physical and mental well-being, energy, sleep, relaxation and ability to handle stress.
— Journal of Clinical Endocrinological Metabolism, June 1994

Weight Loss Studies show that DHEA changes body fat to lean muscle, and is effective for weight loss. In one study, doses of DHEA given to healthy males for one month caused a 31% reduction in body fat content (Medical College of Virginia). “One of the reasons for the great interest in DHEA is its apparent ability to lower body weight regardless of caloric intake.” — Dr. N. Moore,

The Facts About DHEA

DHEA And The Heart
In one study, men ages 50-79 were given DHEA supplementation which resulted in a 36% reduction in death from any cause and a 48% reduction in death from heart disease (New England Journal Of Medicine, 1986). Increased levels of DHEA have also been shown to stop the development of atherosclerosis (build-up of arterial plaque) and reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. — Dept. of Medicine, Johns Hopkins, 1988

Immune System
Researchers have found that DHEA has a direct stimulating effect on disease-fighting white blood cells called T-lymphocytes and can also overcome the effects of excess cortisol (a result of high stress) which can decrease the body’s anti-inflammatory responses and cause T-cell levels to drop (DHEA, Unlocking the Secrets to the Fountain of Youth).

Hormone Replacement
Studies show that DHEA rapidly converts to estrogen and testosterone (approx. 300-500% temporary increase in both) but these effects occur only if the body naturally requires more of these hormones, making DHEA non-toxic and far safer than synthetic hormones. DHEA research has also shown significant improvements in osteoporosis (bone thinning).
— Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 1991