DHEA

What is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, better known as DHEA, is a hormone and is considered one of the most important steroid hormones in humans. It is produced in the adrenal cortex and further converted in the liver into testosterone or other hormones. Its sulfated form is dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).

DHEA has the chemical formula C19H28O2 and a molecular weight of 288.43 g/mol. As a precursor to sex hormones, it has far-reaching influences on physical development and function. Furthermore, DHEA influences the hormonal balance and modulates the effects of other steroid hormones.

As a neurosteroid, DHEA also intervenes in the functions of the central nervous system by acting on GABA and sigma receptors in the brain. In stress situations, DHEA is proven to contribute to the maintenance of cognitive functions.

Here are some key points about DHEA:

• Prohormone: DHEA is a precursor for sex hormones.
• Hormonal effect: It influences the body's own hormone production.
• Neurosteroid: DHEA acts in the brain.
• Chemical properties: Molecular formula C19H28O2, molecular weight 288.43 g/mol.

DHEA thus plays a central role both in hormonal regulation and in the field of neurological function.

The effect of DHEA in the body

DHEA, produced in the adrenal gland, is a versatile hormone that can be converted into testosterone and estrogen. This ability to convert makes DHEA an important player in metabolism, influencing both lean body mass and insulin levels in the body. DHEA is attributed with both immune-strengthening and mood-lifting effects. A DHEA deficiency can be linked to conditions such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, immune deficiencies, cardiovascular diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Research suggests that DHEA exerts fundamental positive effects on our health and body functions, even though many of the precise biochemical mechanisms still need to be researched.

Hormone balance

As an antagonist to the stress hormone cortisol, it regulates important processes of hormone metabolism and keeps cortisol levels in balance. As we age, after reaching the age of 25, DHEA levels fall by about 2% per year, which can negatively affect hormonal balance. An increasing cortisol/DHEA ratio is often viewed as an indicator of the aging process. Since DHEA functions as a prohormone for gender-specific hormones, it has a direct influence on hormone balance. In addition to regulating the hormonal system, DHEA supports the immune defense, promotes stress tolerance, helps with weight regulation, and improves mood.

The body's own production of DHEA decreases with advancing age - by about 2% annually from the age of 25 - which can impair hormone balance.

As a prohormone, DHEA supports the formation of various sex hormones and thus positively influences hormone balance. Furthermore, DHEA has the following positive effects:

• Supports immune defense
• Increases stress tolerance
• Regulates body weight
• Improves mood

The continuous decrease of DHEA in older age makes conscious support of the hormone system necessary to maintain a balanced hormonal state and generally reduce related complaints.

Stress reduction

DHEA, often viewed as an anti-stress hormone, plays an important role in regulating stress responses. Here are key facts about DHEA and its contribution to stress reduction:

• Positive mood: DHEA is proven to contribute to mood improvement and the reduction of depression.
• Counteraction to cortisol: In stressful times, high cortisol levels can develop in the body, which reduces the production of DHEA.
• Immune system: DHEA has a strengthening effect on the immune system and helps in managing stress.
• Decline with age: With increasing age, DHEA production decreases, which can lead to increased effects of stress.
• Cortisol regulation: Through the use of DHEA, cortisol levels can be balanced to minimize their harmful influences on muscles, the brain, and the immune system. Physical exertion can also increase cortisol levels in the blood.
• Life expectancy: Studies from the 70s and 80s were able to demonstrate that administered DHEA can have a life-extending effect and reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and other age-related diseases.

A balanced DHEA production, on the other hand, supports the regulation of cortisol levels and thus protects against negative effects on the musculature, brain, and immune system, which could otherwise be brought about by a sustained elevated cortisol level.

Support of hormonal health

DHEA is of immense importance for a stable hormonal balance. It assumes essential tasks in stress management, positively influences the immune system, and plays a role in bone health. DHEA interacts in the central nervous system as a neurosteroid and thus remains an important building block for hormonal health. As a precursor of sex hormones, it contributes significantly to hormone regulation and thus to balance in the hormonal system. The natural decline of DHEA with age can have significant effects on hormonal health and makes its administration appear sensible in an anti-aging context. DHEA is converted into active hormones in the body, which is why the effects of DHEA on the immune system cannot be ignored, illustrating its broad influence on hormonal health and potential therapeutic uses for hormonal imbalances.

Support of hormonal health

DHEA, a natural hormone in the human body, is of central importance for hormonal health. With its broad spectrum of activity, it contributes significantly to stress management, immune defense, and bone health. Especially in older age, when DHEA production decreases, supplementing this hormone as part of anti-aging therapies can be useful.

As a neurosteroid, DHEA also influences functions in the central nervous system and makes a decisive contribution to hormonal balance. Through its precursor function for sex hormones, it acts directly on their availability, which can be of particular importance in hormonal imbalances.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition that is often linked to low DHEA levels. DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, plays an important role in the human body, including in the immune system and in hormonal processes. Studies indicate that DHEA substitution can improve symptoms in CFS.

One study showed, for example, that the supplementation of DHEA led to a significant reduction in disease activity in lupus patients, another disorder linked to the immune system. Patients with low DHEA levels could therefore benefit from targeted administration of this hormone.

The evidence for immunological disorders in CFS strengthens the assumption that DHEA could play a role in alleviating these symptoms. Since DHEA is involved in numerous processes in the body, optimizing DHEA levels could have a positive effect on overall well-being.

• Disease: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)
• Common finding: Low DHEA levels
• Potential treatment: DHEA substitution
• Study result: Reduction of disease activity in lupus
• Patient benefit: Improvement of CFS symptoms

However, further clinical studies are needed to ensure the safe and effective use of DHEA in CFS patients.

Depression

DHEA, a hormone that occurs naturally in us, shows promising results in the treatment of depression. It has been used in psychiatry for years to treat depressive disorders of various origins.

• Symptom improvement: In endogenous depression or depressive mood, DHEA can significantly alleviate symptoms.
• Comparison with placebo: A detailed examination of various studies reveals that DHEA can improve symptoms significantly compared to placebo.
• Treatment option: As a third-line treatment, DHEA is mentioned in the guidelines of the Canadian Network for Mood and Anxiety Treatments for the treatment of depression.

However, DHEA shows little influence on cognitive function in middle-aged or older people without dementia. Research therefore focuses primarily on its role in treating depression rather than on cognitive abilities.

These are significant findings for patients and doctors, as DHEA thus represents a supplementary option to conventional depression treatment. Safety aspects, such as potential side effects, must nevertheless be taken into account, especially in the context of long-term use.

Improvement of fertility

• Higher pregnancy rate: Research indicates that DHEA can increase the pregnancy rate. This result is particularly clear in women with diminished ovarian reserve.
• Improvement of ovarian function: The active ingredient improves the function of the ovaries, which is particularly important for women with low ovarian reserve.
• Advantage in IVF: Used before a planned in vitro fertilization (IVF), DHEA can increase the chances of pregnancy.
• Quality of the uterine lining and egg cells: By taking DHEA, not only is ovarian function improved, but so is the quality of the uterine lining and the egg cells, leading to higher IVF success rates.
• Increased birth rate: The use of DHEA in conjunction with IVF treatments correlates with an increased rate of successful births.

Based on the points mentioned, DHEA is increasingly being used in reproductive medicine to support women with fertility issues. DHEA is, in fact, also the precursor to male sex hormones and female sex hormones.