Should you take DHEA ? This is a hormone that is sold over the counter in most vitamin /health food stores. Please do not confuse with the oil , DHA which is needed for good brain function.
DHEA has its place in your medicine cabinet and should be taken after consultation with an integrative practitioner. DHEA can increase stress tolerance, and lowers the cortisol ( stress hormone) in your body. We are all under stress in this world we live in. DHEA has shown to increase the lifespan of animals. DHEA does not affect the hormone aldosterone - so you would not get fluid or water retention.
DHEA may be converted to testosterone. This is why I recommend a consult with a practitioner before starting. It can stimulate hair follicles and oil glands. For this reason it can cause acne.
I have seen some of my patients get irritated, anxious and even have palpitations when taking DHEA. I use the 7 keto DHEA for these patients, as the 7 keto DHEA does not convert to testosterone
I am always asked how much should I take. I always prefer to start with a low dose 10- 25 mg for women and 50 mg to 100 mg for men. For sensitive patients I can start at 2.5 mg to 5 mg. You can check your levels of DHEA by a blood test.
Ask your doctor about DHEA
Until tomorrow…