Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occuring substance found in the body. DHE is produced in the adrenal gland, gonads and brain. DHEA is a steroid hormone. DHEA and its metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate or DHEAS are the major steroidal products of the adrenal gland. It is important to know that leveles of DHEA and DHEAS in the body decreases progressively from a peak at age 25 to less than 20% of that peak before the age of 70. Further, DHEA serum levels are typically low in chronic diseases, such as cancer and AIDS.

Since DHEA is a natural hormone that decreases as people get older many researchers believe that restoring DHEA to higher levels may delay some of the effects of aging. In the last few years, DHEA has also been touted to increase the immune system’s function and restore mental ability. It has also been studied for the treatment of conditions such as Addison's disease, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, depression, and Parkinson's disease. While research continues for several of these indications, no definitive results prove that DHEA is effective for these conditions.

The most advanced scientific research concerning DHEA has centered on treating systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease of connective tissue. Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus include arthritis, fever, and rash. Systemic lupus erythematosus can also affect the central nervous system and internal organs like the kidneys. Because DHEA has shown effectiveness in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus, a prescription form of DHEA may be close to approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treatment of this condition.

DHEA has also shown an anti-obesity effect in several studies conducted in animals.

Dosage

Who should and should not use DHEA as a supplement is still very controversial. Some health professionals believe that daily intakes of 5 to 15 mg of DHEA for women and 10 to 30 mg for men are appropriate amounts for people with deficient blood levels of DHEA or DHEAS. Some suggest supplementation with as much as 50 mg per day in postmenopausal women, while others consider this level to much. It is suggestd that individual with perfect health and normal blood levels of DHEA or DHEAS should not take this hormone until more conclusive research has deterined its effects.

Note: DHEA supplementation has been recommended to patients suffering from depression, autoimmune diseases, or other problems, even if their blood levels are normal.