Adrenal Supplements

Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is the most abundant male steroid hormone termed as androgen as it is secreted by the adrenal glands which are small hormone producing glands from top of the kidneys, and to a lesser extent, by the ovaries and testes. Dehydroepiandrosterone can also be changed into other steroid hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. Considerable interest in Dehydroepiandrosterone has developed in recent years with reports that it may play a role in the aging process.

Circulating levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone peak at age around 25 and then steadily decline with age. Dehydroepiandrosterone levels in 70 year-old individuals tend to be generally 80 percent lower than those in young adults. Some researchers consider Dehydroepiandrosterone a possible anti-aging hormone as Dehydroepiandrosterone deficiencies in older individuals have been associated with a number of medical conditions including cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, impaired memory and mental function, and osteoporosis. Additionally population-based studies have recently suggested that people with higher levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone tend to live longer and healthier lives than those with lower levels of the adrenal hormone. Low levels of the male adrenal hormone being linked to certain diseases however, does not necessarily mean that Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements will reduce the risk or improve the outcome of these conditions.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of United States removed Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements from the market in the year of 1985 due to false claims about health benefits. With the passing of the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act of 1994, the male adrenal hormone supplement has made its way back on the market and its popularity continues to grow. Despite this consideration and growth, support for the health claims, particularly as tested on people, is lacking. In addition to this given that male adrenal hormone supplements are sold as dietary supplements, there is no control over their contents or the manufacturing practices of the companies that make the supplements. One independent assessment found that the amount of Dehydroepiandrosterone in over the counter products ranged from 0% to 150% of what the content stated on the label.

Dehydroepiandrosterone as mentioned earlier is one of the hormones made in the adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands do not make enough of this hormone that is called adrenal insufficiency. Women with this hormonal deficient condition who were given Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements reported improved sexuality and sense of well-being even including decreased feelings of depression and anxiety. Only a medical professional can determine if people have adrenal insufficiency and if DHEA, along with other hormones, is needed. Adrenal insufficiency can be a serious medical crisis, particularly when first diagnosed. This is especially the case if the blood pressure is low, which can cause people to experience dizziness or lightheadedness.

In a preliminary study of people with major depression, Dehydroepiandrosterone significantly improved symptoms of depression compared to placebo. The results of this study and others conducted to date on the adrenal hormone and depression are not conclusive. Therefore, the actual reason of using Dehydroepiandrosterone for depression remains unclear, and the long-term effects of taking this supplement are unknown. Studies have shown that Dehydroepiandrosterone cream applied to the inner thigh may boost bone density in older people. Studies have also suggested that Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation may help impotent men have and sustain an erection.

• Janny Raines
• 12/01/2009, 10:59 PM
• 0 Comments