It’s been called a magic “youth pill.” The buzz was—and many Internet sites still claim—that the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can turn back the clock and help people live longer, healthier lives.

Others take DHEA in hopes that it will help them boost muscle mass and burn fat. Find out the truth about what DHEA can and can’t do…

Truth: DHEA does not affect muscle mass. However, it is an important hormone. The adrenal glands, sitting atop the kidneys, produce DHEA in larger quantities than any of the other 150 or so hormones they make. From the adrenals, DHEA travels via the bloodstream into cells, where it converts into sex hormones—estrogen and testosterone in women… androgens in men and women. DHEA production peaks when we are in our 20s. By the time we reach 75 or so, levels sink to about 20% of peak.

WHAT DHEA DOES

The patients I find most likely to benefit from DHEA are between the ages of 45 and 70 and are suffering from chronic stress. DHEA is a hormone that helps the body combat stress—and long-term stress depletes DHEA. If blood or saliva tests reveal low levels of DHEA, I often prescribe DHEA supplements. Within a month or two, people feel better. I use DHEA to address a number of health issues, including…

  • Adrenal fatigue. When adrenal glands are sluggish, DHEA improves energy, mood and resistance to physical and mental stress.
  • Aging skin. DHEA hydrates skin, helping to keep it firm, and decreases facial pigmentation.
  • Autoimmune disorders, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. DHEA helps regulate the immune system and reduces the need to take steroid drugs.
  • Erectile dysfunction. Taking DHEA can improve sexual function for men who develop erectile problems related to high blood pressure.
  • Menopausal symptoms. DHEA often reduces hot flashes and increases libido.
  • Osteoporosis. DHEA helps increase bone mineral density in patients with osteoporosis or osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis) and in young women with anorexia nervosa.

HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

First, it is important that you ask a doctor to test your level of DHEA. You should take supplements only if you are deficient. Careful monitoring by a physician is a must. I generally start by prescribing daily supplements of 5 milligrams (mg) to 15 mg for women and 15 mg to 25 mg for men. Higher doses can produce hormonal imbalances, sometimes causing facial hair in women or acne. Also, one study found that higher doses of DHEA reduced HDL “good” cholesterol in some people. Anyone who has had cancer should not take DHEA because there is concern that it might fuel growth of cancer cells.

Bottom line: DHEA can’t turn back the clock or help you bulk up. But for people who are deficient, taking supplements can bring many benefits.