Yuku free message boards

Quote:

---

DHEA, i.e., dehydroepiandrosterone, is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. DHEA is chemically similar to testosterone and estrogen and is easily converted into those hormones.

---

Quote:

---

DHEA supplements help those who have adrenal deficiency and low levels of DHEA. The benefits from DHEA supplements (in those who are deficient) include improved sense of wellbeing, more alertness and stamina, and enhanced sexual interest and enjoyment.

Additional human research indicates the following benefits:

-DHEA is helpful in older men and women with osteoporosis.
-DHEA is an effective addition to the conventional treatment of those who suffer from hypopituitarism, a condition in which the pituitary gland fails to secrete a variety of pituitary hormones into the circulation.
-DHEA may help reverse bone loss and some of the emotional disturbances associated with anorexia nervosa.
-DHEA supplementation improves blood vessel function and insulin sensitivity in middle aged men. These beneficial changes have the potential to attenuate the development of age-related disorders such as cardiovascular disease.
-In a small study, DHEA was found effective and safe in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
-DHEA is helpful in women with lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus).
-The administration of DHEA in patients with advanced HIV infection results in improved mental function

---

Quote:

---

"Promote weight loss and muscle gain" as claimed mainly by the manufacturers and distributors; however very few case studies have shown this to be true - so be cautious
"DHEA can also help increase metabolism" - this claim also comes from the manufacturers. Again, there's little evidence to prove this
DHEA can lead to increase in libido and sex drive since DHEA does stimulate increase in levels of sex hormones
It can help improve your overall sense of well-being

---

Quote:

---

-Like any and all androgenic steroid, DHEA can cause hair loss, especially in men. DHEA tends to increases levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), along with testosterone, and DHT is a main cause in hair loss.
-DHEA use can lead to acne problems, as most of you probably know that testosterone can cause acne problem among others.
-DHEA can lead to menstrual irregularities in women. It can also accelerate facial hair growth, and deepen voice.
-DHEA can convert to estrogen and this can lead to unwanted "feminine" characteristics in men.
-Long term use of DHEA can increase risk for breast cancer, ovary cancer, and prostate cancer.
-DHEA can also lead to prostate enlargement.
-Other DHEA side effects include irritability, and restlessness.

---

Quote:

---

The production of many hormones is controlled by a "feedback loop," which means that when hormone levels get too high, the body is told to make less, and when hormone levels are too low, the body is told to make more. Cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen are all regulated by this feedback. In other words, if a person takes cortisol, or a similar derivative such as prednisone, it will shut off the body's natural production. DHEA appears to be one of the exceptions. There doesn't seem to be a feedback mechanism for DHEA. In other words, DHEA supplements are not likely to stop the body's own production.

---

Quote:

---

Any androgenic steroid, such as DHEA, testosterone and androstenedione can cause hair loss in susceptible individuals. DHEA is likely to raise levels of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the hair follicles. Too much DHT will lead to hair loss. Taking DHEA when a persons body does not need it will lead to excess DHT and cause hair loss in many people probably even in ones 20s. Too many people are taking high dosages of these hormones on a regular basis without really needing them. Anyone who wishes to regain their hair should discuss with their physician about stopping the hormones. The temporary (2 to 3 month) use of finasteride [Propecia (1 mg) or Proscar (5 mg)] could stop the hair loss and possibly regrow part or all of the lost. It is difficult to predict how long a person would need to take finasteride. Women may benefit from minoxidil 2% and could discuss with their physician about the use of a medicine called spironolactone. Whether hair regrows on its own after stopping DHEA or medicines are necessary to help regrow is not clear at this time.

---