DHEA is Both Steroid & Neurosteroid
Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly abbreviated as DHEA, is the most abundant steroid in the bloodstream and is present at even higher levels in brain tissue as a neurosteroid. However, DHEA levels are known to fall precipitously with age, falling 90% from age 20 to age 90!
DHEA is known to be a precursor to the numerous steroid sex hormones (including estrogen and testosterone) which serve well-known functions, but the specific biological role of DHEA itself is not so well understood.
Interestingly, DHEA seems to change the circulating androgen/estrogen ratio in a gender-specific manner. For men, estrogens increase more. For women, androgens increase more. DHEA's effects in postmenopausal women women are sometimes considered similar to hormone replacement therapy
Although the specific mechanisms of action for DHEA are only partially understood, supplemental DHEA has been shown to have anti-aging, anti-obesity and anti-cancer influences. In addition, it is known to stabilize nerve-cell growth and is being tested in Alzheimer's patients.
Assessing Needs & Dosages
DHEA deficiency can be assessed by measuring either serum DHEA or DHEA-S, which is cheaper (about $50) and may be more sensitive. A normal range is given for each age range. No lab test is perfect and so called normal levels may vary considerably, clinical condition should also be taken into account in deciding whether to take DHEA.
In postmenopausal women and in elderly men, doses of 25 mg daily are commonly used.
It is important to assess the need for DHEA supplementation within the context of a thorough medical examination. Your doctor may also want to check levels of other hormones like cortisone and thyroid hormone, to assure that the proper balance of hormones is achieved.
