DHEA: The Anti Aging Super Hero.

DHEA is a naturally occurring substance that is created from cholesterol in the body. This pro hormone is produced in the adrenal glands, the brain and fat tissue in all humans. DHEA hold essential functions within the body including sexual activity. The role of DHEA as an anti aging substance has been argued for many years. Immune system support and stress relief are others areas where DHEA is thought to add additional body benefits, though these facts are unproven as well.

One thing is for certain, the body produces DHEA in varying amounts. In men, the gonads produce DHEA leading to the belief that DHEA holds powers over increases in strength, lean body mass, physical performance and testosterone levels. In women, DHEA is primarily produced in the adipose or fat tissue and the brain. Large amounts of DHEA in women can lead to a diagnosis of polycystic ovarian syndrome.

DHEA has been used by athletes and normal people alike to increase the muscle building effects of weight training and physical exercise. These results have been tested in blind studies and have not been proven to actually occur.

Another use for DHEA is for the purpose of the reversal of bodily aging. In elderly men and women, DHEA is thought to have anti aging effects on body composition, physical performance, insulin sensitivity and overall quality of life. Again, relevant scientific studies have found there are not real evidences of these results in the aging population. Thus, the scientific community has not recognized DHEA as an anti aging substance.

DHEA, though naturally produced in the body, can be purchased and consumed in a supplement format. DHEA supplements generally range from 10 mg to 50 mg in pill form. DHEA is also available as a topical cream for application on the skin. The topical cream is marketed most often for women who want to dispel the effects of menopause and aging on the body. Most often paired with progesterone and other natural menopause relief creams, DHEA is thought to help maintain healthy hormone levels in women who are aging.

Even though scientific studies have not proven any anti aging results when using a supplemental form of DHEA, the National Institutes of Health recognizes the use of DHEA for many other situations. According to a grading system of A through F, The National Institutes of Health rank the use of DHEA for: Adrenal insufficiency, Depression, Obesity, and Systemic Lupus all with a grade of B.

Yet, the National Institutes of Health does recognize the use of DHEA in a topical formula for skin aging results. According to the site, “Preliminary study suggests the possibility of using DHEA topically as an anti-skin aging agent. Further research is needed to confirm these results.”

The use of DHEA runs the gamut of ages. With peak levels of the hormone reached in the 20's, DHEA is often supplemented in men who wish to keep their younger bodily physique and as an anti aging supplement. In women, DHEA is often used as an anti aging cream and supplement to reduce the effects of low hormone levels associated with menopause.