- What is DHEA?
- Benefits of DHEA
- Side Effects of DHEA
- Weight Loss: Shedding Pounds with DHEA
- Blood Sugar: DHEA's Role
- Hormone Balance: DHEA's Balancing Act
- Menopause: Easing the Transition with DHEA
- Diet: Incorporating DHEA into Your Diet
- Dosage: Safe DHEA Dosages
- Interactions: DHEA with Other Supplements
- Tread with Caution for DHEA
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Unveiling DHEA: Your Ally Through Menopause
In the meandering journey of womanhood, menopause is a significant milestone. While it comes with its share of challenges, understanding and navigating these changes can transform this phase into a time of empowerment and well-being. One supplement that’s been on the radar for its potential benefits during menopause is DHEA. Let’s delve into what DHEA is and how it might be a supportive companion through menopause.
What is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone, produced by your adrenal glands. It’s a precursor to major sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone. As we age, DHEA levels take a downturn, and this decline has been linked to several age-related conditions. DHEA supplements have hence become a topic of interest for their potential in combating various aspects of aging and improving hormonal balance.
Benefits of DHEA
DHEA seems to come with a promise of multiple benefits, some of which include:
- Vaginal Tissue Health: Post menopause, vaginal inserts containing DHEA have been noted to reduce pain during sex by up to 15%.
- Skin Vitality: Whether taken orally or applied topically, DHEA might enhance skin appearance in individuals over 60.
- Mood Elevation: Daily dosages ranging between 30 to 500 mg could potentially alleviate symptoms of depression.
Side Effects of DHEA
However, DHEA also comes with its fair shares of side effects:
- Acne and oily skin are common unwanted companions.
- Some individuals might experience an upset stomach or hair loss.
- Men might see breast enlargement while women might notice increased hairiness.
Weight Loss: Shedding Pounds with DHEA
The narrative around DHEA and weight loss is evolving. Some studies have shown a reduction in body fat and abdominal fat in elderly individuals post DHEA supplementation.
Besides that, a systematic review of the impact of 7-keto-DHEA (a weight loss supplement) on body weight conducted in 2022 found that four studies showed a mixed result regarding weight loss. Two studies revealed a statistically significant reduction in body weight when compared to placebo.
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So, the final verdict on DHEA’s effectiveness in reducing weight gain still awaits more research.
Blood Sugar: DHEA’s Role
Managing blood sugar levels is crucial, more so during menopause.
Research hints at DHEA’s potential in reducing fasting plasma glucose, particularly in those above 60. A preliminary study also found that DHEA replacement decreased insulin resistance and lowered inflammatory cytokines in aging humans.
This could be a ray of hope for better blood sugar management.
Hormone Balance: DHEA’s Balancing Act
DHEA’s role in enhancing sexual function, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity in premenopausal and postmenopausal Women is noteworthy. Its potential in maintaining hormonal balance could be a gateway to improved well-being, although the full picture is yet to be unveiled.
Menopause: Easing the Transition with DHEA
Menopause can feel like a roller-coaster.
A study found that daily intravaginal administration of 0.50% DHEA for 12 weeks significantly improved moderate to severe vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. The same study also found that other metrics like vaginal secretions and vaginal skin health all improved by 86% to 121% over the placebo effect.
However, the effectiveness in managing other menopausal symptoms is still under the microscope. In fact, the DHEA supplementation in healthy menopausal women can be controversial. So, always talk to your doctor first before starting any form of supplements.
Diet: Incorporating DHEA into Your Diet
Embarking on a DHEA-rich diet? Here are some steps:
- Include wild yams, soybeans, eggs, and lean meats.
- Balance it out with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and a rainbow of vegetables.
- A dash of healthy fats from avocados and olive oil isn’t just good for your heart but also for DHEA levels.
Dosage: Safe DHEA Dosages
It’s paramount to tread cautiously with DHEA dosages. The right dosage can vary widely among individuals. Therefore, it’s wise to consult with a healthcare professional before diving into DHEA supplementation.
| Age Group | Benefits | Safe Dosages | Side Effects | Sources |
| Adults over 30 | – Lowers inflammation – Improves bone health – Improves sexual function – Improves overall well-being – Improves cognitive function – Improves muscle strength | 25-50 mg/day for the average adult human being | – Acne and oily skin – Upset stomach – Hair loss – Mood changes – Breast enlargement in men – Hairiness in women – Decreased HDL cholesterol – Worsening of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – Stimulation of the growth of prostate, liver, and breast cancers – Permanent stunting of growth – Aggressive behavior – Mood swings and other psychological symptoms – Higher blood pressure – Liver problems – Chest pain and abnormal heart rhythm – Crawling sensation on the scalp – Eye problems – Bleeding and blood-clotting problems – Weight gain – Low blood pressure – Irregular or abnormal menstruation – Increased discharge – Smaller breast size in women – Deepened voice and larger genitals in men | 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
| Women with moderate to severe vaginal dryness | Improved vaginal dryness, vaginal secretions, epithelial integrity, epithelial surface thickness, and color | Daily intravaginal administration of 0.50% DHEA for 12 weeks | No significant side effects reported | 2 4 |
| Women with insulin resistance | Reduced insulin resistance and lowered blood sugar levels | 25-50 mg/day for the average adult human being | No significant side effects reported | 5 |
Interactions: DHEA with Other Supplements
DHEA doesn’t always play well with others. It can interact with estrogens, certain cancer medications, and even blood sugar lowering agents. DHEA can also interact with supplements that increase the risk of bleeding like Garlic, Ginger, and Ginkgo Biloba. So, a thorough discussion with your healthcare provider is non-negotiable to avoid unforeseen complications.
Tread with Caution for DHEA
Menopause, with its ebbs and flows, is a natural part of life’s journey. Supplements like DHEA offer a glimmer of hope in navigating this phase with grace. While it’s not a magic bullet, understanding its benefits, risks, and the safe way to incorporate it could be a step towards enhanced well-being during menopause and beyond.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to major sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone, and its levels decline as individuals age.
DHEA supplementation has shown potential in reducing vaginal dryness, improving sexual function, and enhancing skin appearance in post-menopausal women. It may also alleviate symptoms of depression.
Side effects may include acne, oily skin, upset stomach, hair loss, breast enlargement in men, and increased hairiness in women.
Some studies suggest that DHEA supplementation may help reduce body fat and abdominal fat in elderly individuals, but more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Research suggests that DHEA may help in reducing fasting plasma glucose, particularly in individuals over 60, indicating a potential role in blood sugar management.
DHEA may enhance sexual function, lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity, playing a role in maintaining hormonal balance, although more research is needed to fully understand its impact.
You can boost DHEA levels by consuming foods rich in DHEA like wild yams, soybeans, eggs, lean meats, and also by maintaining a balanced diet with whole grains, nuts, seeds, and a variety of vegetables.
It’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before starting DHEA supplementation, especially if you are on other medications or supplements, to avoid any adverse interactions and to determine the right dosage for you.
