DHEA, The Hormone For Women and Men Over 40

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is found naturally in the human body, produced primarily by the adrenal glands. It is an important hormone base from which testosterone, progesterone, and corticosterone, either directly or indirectly, can be derived.

After age forty, the amount produced in the body starts to decline. Very little is left by age 70.

Research indicates that taking DHEA supplements may help to prevent cancer, arterial disease, multiple sclerosis, and Alzheimer's disease, and may even be useful in the treatment of lupus and osteoporosis, may help to improve memory and may enhance the activity of the immune system.

When the adrenal glands become fatigued, it is helpful to take a supplemental boost to get back on track, our stressful world, careers, such as that makes fatigue possible. Often 5 mg daily, consistently makes all the difference.

DHEA for chronic fatigue, 5-25 mg (if testing shows that you levels are low) helps with energy production and the effects of stress.

DHEA is currently available over the counter.

You should exercise caution here, this is a powerful hormone. Some physicians believe that taking high doses of DHEA suppresses the body's natural ability to synthesize this hormone. High doses can lead to liver damage. Also when you take DHEA supplement you need to take Vitamins C and E and the mineral selenium to prevent oxidative damage to the liver. Other possible side effects is excess growth of facial hair in women. This can often be avoided by starting with a dose of 5 to 10 milligrams daily.

If lab testing shows that men's levels of DHEA are low, taking 25 to 50mg daily according to studies, this hormone can improve their erectile function. DHEA is a precursor hormone to testosterone. Men taking this hormone in these studies had significant improvement in libido and erectile function.

7-KETO DHEA is a derivative of DHEA which is not converted into estrogen or testosterone, which is good for women concerned about breast cancer or men concerned about prostate cancer. 7-Keto DHEA is a good alternative to DHEA and has the same benefits.