Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that has been hailed as the "elixir of youth" - improves memory, renews the immune system and smooths wrinkles. High levels of the hormone DHEA in the blood are maintained during youth; after the age of 40, they decrease rapidly. In the elderly, the secretion of the hormone is low - deficiencies are associated with troublesome symptoms (e.g. accelerated ageing, atherosclerosis, osteoporosis).
There is a small amount of these compounds in the female body, but it is important enough that a deficiency of male androgens has health consequences. Ladies complain of complaints (including a decrease in libido):
- who use hormonal contraception,
- with hypopituitarism,
- with adrenal insufficiency.
Important! Decreased androgen levels affect low bone density - the result is osteoporosis and osteopenia.
In men, decreased DHEA levels affect:
- increased risk of heart attack,
- metabolic disorders (consequence of insulin resistance, especially obesity and metabolic syndrome).
DHEA - benefits
The hormone is characterised by a number of health benefits including.
- boosts energy,
- improves mood,
- smoothes wrinkles,
- improves libido,
- improves blood quality,
- influences bone density,
- inhibits the development of atherosclerotic plaques,
- prevents obesity,
- helps keep muscles in good condition,
- is responsible for the condition of the mucous membranes,
- reduces stress,
- prevents cancer,
- prevents ischaemic heart disease,
- improves memory.
Important! Studies of depressed patients have shown DHEA deficiencies. Maintaining adequate levels of dehydroepiandrosterone reduces the risk of Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.
DHEA deficiency
Deficient levels of the hormone, which acts within the central nervous system, can cause, among other things.
- chronic fatigue
- decreased activity,
- sleep and wakefulness disorders,
- decreased libido.
