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Dehydroepiandrosterone
or DHEA is made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands,
which sit on top of each kidney. Production of this
substance peaks in the mid-20s, and gradually declines with
age. What this drop means or how it affects the aging
process, if at all, is unclear. In fact, scientists are
somewhat mystified by DHEA and have not fully sorted out
what it does in the body. However, researchers do know that
the body breaks DHEA down into two hormones that are known
to affect us in may ways: estrogen and
testosterone.
Supplements
of DHEA can be bought without a prescription and are sold as
"anti-aging remedies." Some proponents of these products
claim that DHEA supplements improve energy, strength, and
immunity. DHEA is also said to increase muscle and decrease
fat. Right now there is no consistent evidence that DHEA
supplements do any of these things in people, and there is
little scientific evidence to support the use of DHEA as a
"rejuvenating" hormone. Although the long-term (over 1 year)
effects of DHEA supplements have not been studied, there are
early signs that these supplements, even when taken briefly,
may have several detrimental effects on the body including
liver damage.
In
addition, some people's bodies make large amounts of
estrogen
and testosterone
from DHEA,
while others make smaller amounts. There is no way to
predict who will make more and who will make less.
Researchers are concerned that DHEA supplements may cause
high levels of estrogen or testosterone in some people. This
is important because testosterone may play a role in
prostate cancer, and higher levels of estrogen are
associated with increased risk of breast cancer. It is not
yet know for certain if supplements of estrogen and
testosterone, or supplements of DHEA, also increase the risk
of developing these types of cancer. In women, high
testosterone levels can cause acne and growth of facial
hair.
Overall,
the studies that have been done so far do not provide a
clear picture of the risks and benefits of DHEA. For
example, some studies in older people show that DHEA helps
build muscle, but other studies do not. Researchers are
working to find more definite answers about DHEA's effects
on aging, muscles, and the immune system. In the meantime,
people who are thinking about taking supplements of this
hormone should understand that its effects are not fully
known. Some of these unknown effects might turn out to be
harmful.
Part
6: Growth Hormone
Adapted
from the National Institute on Aging
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