Is DHEA Safe?
Is DHEA safe? First, let's briefly discuss what it is.
DHEA is the most abundant hormone manufactured by the adrenal glands. It enters into the bloodstream and disperses throughout the body and into cells. After entering our cells, it is converted into androgens or estrogens (male and female hormones, respectively).
Some DHEA is also manufactured within our brains as well.
Is DHEA Safe?
DHEA Side EffectsYes, there are DHEA side effects. Perhaps you've heard of the connection between DHEA and hair loss. This is because DHEA may elevate levels of testosterone -- and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in hair follicles. An elevated level of DHT may cause hair loss in some people.
Other possible DHEA side effects include menstrual irregularities, acne flare ups, irritability and restlessness.
Besides these possible DHEA side effects, is DHEA safe? Meaning, will you be risking seriously damaging your health if you take it.
Well, there have been some recorded instances where people who take large doses of DHEA notice irregular heartbeats and heart palpitations.
However, there are no known instances of DHEA causing someone's death -- and DHEA is one of the most popular supplements around, consumed by tens of thousands of people for years.
This does not mean you should take it for years, however, as it's long term side effects are not well known.
So, the bottomline if is DHEA safe. It appears to be a relatively safe supplement, if not abused (taken in too high dosages) but it does have possible adverse side effects one needs to be aware of.
The Benefits of DHEA Nutritional SupplementThere are many benefits of DHEA as well. Here are some of the most prominent ones: more energy, stamina, increased feeling of wellbeing and libido.
One of the most widely touted alleged benefits of DHEA nowadays is as an antiaging supplement. Studies have indicated that DHEA may help protect the cardiovascular system.
Most people know that cardiovascular diseases are the #1 leading cause of death in the Western world currently.
DHEA may also help keep the brain healthy and functioning well.
Other less known benefits of DHEA include: improving blood vessel function, helping reverse bone loss (thus possibly helping combat osteoporosis), smooth out emotional disturbances, alleviating bodily aches and pains.
Nutritional-Supplement-Articles Opinion DHEA is a very interesting supplement that may particularly benefit men and women over the age of 40. But precautions do need to be taken.
The human body is believed to produce 10 mg to 15 mg per day. However, production drops as as age. We think it's unnecessarily risky to take a high dosage of more than 50 mg per day.
More realistically, benefits without undue risk can probably be obtained with a daily dosage of just 5 mg per day.
Because the interaction between DHEA and prescription medications are not well know, make sure you always consult your physician before taking any new supplements, especially if you are currently taking prescriptions.
As always, pregnant or nursing women should refrain from taking DHEA.
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