You have probably heard DHEA referenced alot in the news these days. It is being touted as a solution for hot flashes and menopause, among other things. DHEA can certainly help with the symptoms of menopause when in balance with the rest of the hormones in your body.
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone and is known as the “mother hormone”. DHEA is made in the brain and in the adrenals, which are glands located near your kidneys. DHEA is one of the most abundant hormones in the body.
In order for our bodies to work like they should, our hormones have to be in harmony with one another. Each hormone is affected by another. They all work together. Here is an example:
- from progesterone, we make cortisol
- from DHEA, we make the hormone androstenedione, which turns into estrone (an estrogen) and testosterone
- estrone is converted to estriol
- estradiol can be made from testosterone
It is a very scientific process and just throwing in some extra DHEA without consideration of the levels of all the other hormones won’t work.
When adequate levels of DHEA are achieved it will increase testosterone levels and muscle mass. It will also help to improve memory and decrease depression. It will enhance the immune system which reduces the risk of cancer and helps to prevent a decrease in mental function that could be the beinning of Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s disease.
It is normal for DHEA levels to decrease during menopause. The adrenal glands experience exhaustion and are unable to produce DHEA. All of the major sex hormones have a direct relationship with DHEA levels. They are affected in a negative manner when DHEA levels become low. When this imbalance occurs symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, hot flashes, night sweats and insomnia can happen.
DHEA supplementation will help all of your hormones to become balanced. The hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause are a direct result of a hormone imbalance.
When DHEA levels are too low and supplementation is recommended, it can be the final piece of the puzzle with regards to achieving an overall feeling of good health. Many times women report that they feel better than ever when DHEA is added to their hormone replacement regimen.
As you age, your DHEA production falls dramatically. This slowing down of adrenal gland output is called “adrenopause.” For example, a 20-year old typically makes 30 mg of DHEA daily, whereas an 80-year old makes less than 6 mg—an 80% drop.
Many wonder if taking DHEA can help preserve youthfulness. In humans, some studies have correlated higher DHEA levels with longer life spans.
DHEA is available as an over-the-counter supplement, but it should only be taken with proper monitoring. Excess DHEA supplementation can cause side effects and may be contraindicated with some health problems. How can DHEA be monitored? Test your DHEA-sulphate level—this is the storage form of DHEA and is less subject to fluctuations—both before and after supplementation. Make sure you work with an experienced physician to ensure that taking DHEA is right for you.
For additional information about DHEA and bioidentical hormones, as well as ways to slow the aging process, visit my website at
http://www.hormonesynergy.com
or purchase copy of my new book, HormoneSynergy, Optimal Aging and Hormone Balance at
http://www.bioidenticalhormonebook.com/
In Health