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I do not recommend this supplement to anyone under 45 unless there is a history of hormone imbalance. I suggest getting labs done to see where your hormone levels are at.
What Is DHEA and How Does It Work?
DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone that’s produced by your body and decreases as you age, and this decrease is associated with several diseases.
In fact, it’s estimated that DHEA decreases by up to 80% throughout adulthood. This isn’t just relevant for older adults, as levels begin to decrease around age 30.
May Increase Bone Density
Low levels of DHEA are associated with lower bone density and bone fractures. Supplementing with it over the long term may increase bone density, particularly in older women.
May Improve Sexual Function, Fertility and Libido
It’s no surprise that a supplement that affects the male and female sex hormones also affects sexual function.
For starters, DHEA supplements may improve the function of the ovaries in women with impaired fertility. It increased the success of in vitro fertilization (IVF) in 25 women experiencing fertility problems. Additionally, several studies have shown that these supplements may increase libido and sexual function in both men and women.
Dosage and Side Effects
While doses of 10–500 mg have been reported, a common dose is 25–50 mg per day. Regarding time frame, a dose of 50 mg per day has been safely used for one year, and 25 mg per day has safely been used for two years. Importantly, DHEA supplements should not be taken by individuals with cancers affected by sex hormones.
Further Reading:
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): hypes and hopes
Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on oocyte and embryo yields, embryo grade and cell number in IVF
Effect of 1-year, low-dose DHEA therapy on climacteric symptoms and female sexuality
Hormone Support
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This supplement is available, but there are not enough medical studies for me to be able to endorse its use. I will keep watching the studies coming out and update accordingly.
DIM (Diindolylmethane) supplements are derived from cruciferous vegetables and are known for their potential health benefits, including:
Hormonal Balance: DIM may help correct hormonal imbalances, particularly in women, and is often used for issues like PMS and acne.
Cancer Prevention: Some studies suggest that DIM may have anti-cancer properties, particularly in hormone-related cancers.
Weight Management: It may assist in weight loss efforts by influencing estrogen metabolism.
Dosage and Side Effects: Typical dosages range from 100 to 300 mg per day, but side effects can include gastrointestinal discomfort and headaches.
Further Reading:
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I do not recommend this supplement to anyone under 45 unless there is a history of hormone imbalance. I suggest getting labs done to see where your hormone levels are at.
Pregnenolone and DHEA are both steroid hormones that serve as precursors to other hormones.
Pregnenolone is known for supporting cognitive function and memory enhancement among many other things, while DHEA plays a role in bone density, sexual function, and immune health.
They are often considered for supplementation due to their complementary roles; pregnenolone is the precursor to DHEA, which in turn is a precursor to sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone.
Caution is advised for individuals under 40 with normal hormone levels, as supplementation could lead to excess hormone levels and potential interactions with medications.
Pregnenolone is produced naturally in the body from cholesterol and is involved in the production of other steroid hormones.
Both DHEA and pregnenolone offer a wide range of benefits, especially in maintaining hormonal balance, supporting mood, boosting energy, enhancing cognitive function and combatting the effects of aging.
Although each hormone has distinct roles, they complement each other and contribute to overall well-being, especially in the context of stress management and recovery.
Pregnenolone is in many clinical studies at the moment including regulating depression and one that suggests PREG might be helpful in improving selected core symptoms such as social deficits and sensory abnormalities of ASD.
See also our tab on DHEA
Further Reading: