In 1981, the Life Extension
Foundation introduced DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) to its
members through an article that described the multiple
benefits that this hormone might produce. However, the general
public did not learn about DHEA until 1996, when the benefits
of DHEA were touted by the news media and in several popular
books. DHEA became credible to the medical establishment when
the New York Academy of Sciences published a book entitled
DHEA and Aging. This book provided scientific validation for
the many life extending effects of DHEA.
It has been shown that the
hormone DHEA often declines 40.8-72.8% by age 70 or later,
leading to hormonal imbalances that can affect one’s quality
of life.1 Peak
blood levels of DHEA occur at approximately age 25, decreasing
progressively thereafter.1
Thus, scientists have been looking at ways of restoring DHEA
to youthful levels, and are now discovering mechanisms by
which this hormone protects against age-related decline.
Since 1981, several hundred
studies have been published on DHEA’s possible benefits. One
study investigated immune functions and DHEA using rats as
test subjects. The scientists showed that DHEA administration
to rats supports specific immune function known to be lacking
in the elderly.2*
Another study focused on the
various benefits of DHEA supplementation, and noted that
DHEA’s protective effect could be of benefit to the normal
aging brain.3*
Some studies have reported DHEA may improve mood and alleviate
melancholy. In fact, as highlighted in two studies,
participants have reported that they feel better when taking
DHEA.4,5*
In still another investigative
study doctors noted that DHEA is one factor that determines
lumbar spine density in aging men.6*
In women, it has been shown that DHEA helps to protect bone
mineral density. DHEA’s role in supporting a healthy
circulatory system and joint/bone health was also highlighted
in the Journal of the Medical Association of Thailand.7*
DHEA precautions for men
Before attempting to restore DHEA to youthful levels, men
should know their serum PSA (prostate specific antigen) level
and have passed a digital rectal exam. Men with prostate
cancer or severe benign prostate disease are advised to avoid
DHEA since it can be converted into testosterone (and
estrogen). Therefore, men are advised to have a PSA and
digital rectal exam before initiating DHEA to rule out
existing prostate disease.
When taking
DHEA we also recommend taking the following other nutrients:
| Vitamin E
|
400 IU
daily |
| Selenium
|
200 mcg
daily |
| Super Absorbable Soy
Isoflavones |
55.5 mg
daily |
| Gamma E Tocopherol with
Sesame Lignans |
200 mg
daily |
| Lycopene Extract |
20-40
mg daily |
| Saw Palmetto Extract
|
160 mg
twice daily |
| Pygeum Extract |
50 mg
twice daily |
| Nettle Extract |
120 mg
twice daily |
| Boron |
3-10 mg
daily |
It is important for men over 40
to consult their physician to check their PSA and DHEA-S serum
levels every six to twelve months thereafter. Men should also
periodically check their blood levels for free testosterone
and estrogen to make sure that DHEA is following a youthful
metabolic pathway. See the Male Hormone Restoration chapter in
the Disease Prevention and Treatment book for
additional hormone balance testing that can be done at the
same time serum DHEA and PSA levels are being tested.
DHEA precautions for women
When taking DHEA we also recommend taking the following other
nutrients to maintain a healthy balance:
