Dangers of taking DHEA

DHEA has been referred to as the 'fountain of youth' in some corners of the health and wellness community. However, oral supplementation of DHEA can be incredibly harmful on the body. DHEA is a hormone produced natural in the body in conjunction with cortisol in the adrenal glands. DHEA is thought of as the 'immune and anti-aging hormone. [It] controls age-related disorders, helps repair and maintain tissues....and balances the activity of the immune system" (Black, Jessica*)  The use of DHEA is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) because it is considered 'cheating', similar alongside the use of steroids with regards to its use for increasing of muscle mass, strength, and energy in atheletes.*

So, why are  people supplementing their natural levels of DHEA with over the counter oral hormones? The main reasons are 1) energy and 2) youth. As previously stated, athletes have been known to take DHEA for the increased energy and strength it may provide, while others are attempting to find new ways to regain their youth. However, because DHEA is said to help the immune system as well as increase energy, many people with chronic diseases, chronic pain, or chronic fatigue illnesses have considered taking DHEA. But what people don't know is that people who have normal "hormone levels in their bodies who supplement DHEA are likely to experience negative side effects,such as: acne, tumor formation, hair loss, heart rhythm problems, and insomnia" *   
Jessica Black N.D, author of The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book, also suggests that DHEA "should not be taken as a supplement unless the patient's own bodily level of DHEA is found to be low on proper lab tests." Hormone levels can be tested by your family doctor, naturopath, or holistic doctor using a blood or urine test. "The scientific jury is till out on the subject, but it appears that normal daily DHEA production for an average person in their 20's is between 10-25 mg" *

Even though supplementation of DHEA without the reference of a doctor may be dangerous for most people, addition DHEA supplements can be beneficial for those who suffer from lupus,osteoporosis, ED, Alzheimers, MS, or HIV. *


Taking supplements to improve health can be a risky business. Before embarking on your journey to good health through the use of over the counter oral supplements, please speak with a doctor and do personal research. Some herbal supplements may interact with prescriptions, while others may not be safe or approved to be taken without testing by a doctor.

It is important to not only be proactive, but well informed about the choices you make for your health

Until next time,
Feast From Within


Sources:

1. Black, Jessica, The Anti-Inflammation Diet and Recipe Book, 2006. pg. 20
2. Mayo Clinic, <http://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dhea/evidence/hrb-20059173>
3. Medline Plus, <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/331.html>
4. Dr. Mercola, DHEA: Supplementing with THIS Hormone can Lead to Tumors and Insomnia. 2011. <http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2011/03/19/the-most-common-mistakes-in-bioidentical-hormone-replacement.aspx