Understanding DHEA for People Over 30

DHEA is a steroid that is naturally produced in the body by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor to the sex hormones, meaning that the body turns DHEA into testosterone and estrogen. It is implicated in a wide variety of physical processes, from brain function to muscle building to bone growth. The brain also produces small amounts of DHEA, which has lead scientists to theorize that DHEA is critical to normal, healthy brain function.

DHEA and Middle Age

As most people enter their 30s, their levels of DHEA naturally start to decline. In fact, our levels of DHEA are at their peak in infancy and childhood. Because of this, many scientists have begun to investigate whether falling DHEA levels are implicated in age-related problems, such as low energy, muscle loss, wrinkles and other physical signs of aging, and various age-related disorders from osteoporosis to age-related depression to Alzheimer disease.

Recent Studies on DHEA

Recent studies have found that DHEA can improve depression symptoms in people older than 40. The hypothesis is that age-related depression can be caused by falling DHEA levels. Similarly, DHEA supplements have been found to be helpful in the case of Alzheimer disease.  Although scientists don't know the precise mechanism involved, it seems that DHEA helps ensure healthy brain function. DHEA has also been found to be effective in treating women who are entering menopause. That is because many of the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, mood changes, and fatigue, are caused by lowered hormone levels. Menopausal women will also find that the low libido that is a frequent side-effect of menopause can be alleviated with DHEA. DHEA functions to increase the sex hormones that help stimulate the libido.

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Other studies have also discovered that DHEA can help people with Lupus. Lupus is a chronic, auto-immune condition that affects almost every body system and that can have devastating consequences. Synthetic DHEA has in preliminary studies been found to help reverse bone mineral density loss for people with Lupus. This is especially good news for Lupus sufferers, because better bone density can mean more years of staying active and feeling healthy.

Even if you don't have any age-related diseases, you may find that DHEA is helpful for ordinary aging signs. Many people find that the ordinary signs of aging, such as hair loss, wrinkles, loss of libido, muscle loss, and sleep problems can be alleviated by DHEA.

People who are interested in trying DHEA will discover that DHEA is available as an over-the-counter supplement, as well as a prescription form. Bodybuilding sites sell DHEA in the form of pills, drink powders, and liquids. Many supplements are available that combine the age-fighting benefits of DHEA with other beneficial herbal substances. You should always check with your doctor before beginning to take any supplement or medication.

Athletes and DHEA

Athletes and bodybuilders in their 30s or older have been especially keen to try DHEA. Many athletes have discovered that a DHEA supplement improves their immune system and increases lean muscle mass. Many athletes also feel that they gain greater mental acuity, perhaps due to the age-related depression symptom alleviating effects of the hormone.

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