DHEA is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands, the gonads, and other cells in the body. DHEA itself has anabolic effects, and it is required for making testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is available as a supplement in the U.S. and is widely considered an aphrodisiac. But there are known risks, and the long term effects of this hormone are not clear.

There are many reports of DHEA stoking the fires of passion; one doctor reported that about half of his middle-aged patients reported a clear benefit. In my experience, even 5 mg a day has a definite libido boosting effect; at that dose, I have frequent spontaneous erections, more vivid fantasies, and more drive in the bedroom. I have no doubt that this pre-hormone can help some people turn up their love lives. But is it safe??

DHEA has several known side effects. Not all people experience these, they are more common at higher doses, but susceptible individuals may experience them even at low doses:

• Palpitations, 'skipped' heart beats, or other arrthymias
• Acne
• Hirsutism (development of excessive hair on face, back)
• Hair loss, especially male pattern baldness

Of these potential side effects, the only one I have noticed is a definite increase in acne. An extra pimple or two on the back or shoulders is not a huge problem, although the current pimple on my lip is irritating. But still a small price - if that is the only price.

There is also concern that DHEA may encourage the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers if they are already present in the body - these include some prostate, breast and ovarian cancers.

The extended use of DHEA is entirely uncharted, and nothing definitive can be said about its safety (although some doctors have raised the flag of caution).

DHEA Tips

Taking DHEA sublingually (letting it dissolve and be absorbed under the tongue) seems to be more effective than taking a tablet or capsule that goes through the digestion process.

The constant use of DHEA seems to blunt its effectiveness. Occasional use of this aphrodisiac for a few days, followed by a longer break seems to prevent tolerance from developing.

Capsules or tablets can be divided - you don't have to take 10 mg just because your capsule contains that much.

DHEA in the Body

DHEA levels are low in young children, rise with puberty, and start to decline in the 20s and 30s. For this reason, there is interest in the possiblity that DHEA can reduce the age related declines seen in mid-life.

DHEA supplements have been shown to have a beneficial effect in those who lost the ability to produce DHEA - no surprise there. DHEA has also show a beneficial effect in some autoimmune diseases, like systemic sclerosis.

DHEA Prices

DHEA is innexpensive. Expect to pay 5 to 10 cents for a dose, maybe less if you shop around. Vitacost.com is one online supplement company I trust and regularly order from.

The Bottom Line

Many doctors advise everyone to stay away from DHEA. Others believe that occasional use of small doses (5 mg a day) for short periods may provide benefits with relatively little risk. Large doses are not a good idea, and this supplement does not seem wise for younger people, unless they have a demonstrated deficiency of DHEA.

I personally look at DHEA like I look at sunshine. It is clear that excess exposure to sunshine has negative effects - from premature aging of the skin to an increased risk of skin cancer. But moderate amounts of sunshine can be beneficial. The UV in sunshine triggers vitamin D formation, which can help prevent or control osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, psoriasis and even some types of cancer. Some people are more sensitive than others. In the end, a personal decision is made - ideally one that is informed and balances the benefits and risks.

Metabolism of DHEA

DHEA has been called the 'master hormone' because it can be converted into testosterone (or other androgens) or into estrogen. This flexibility is probably good for the body, but makes the action of DHEA somewhat unpredictable.

The ultimate source of DHEA is cholesterol!

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Molecular diagram and metabolic pathway flow-chart are copyrighted under the GNU document license.