It’s a proven fact that the levels of DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) natural synthesis drop with age. However, it’s also a proven fact that taking DHEA 100 mg benefits the body and helps restore the levels of various hormones. The effects differ a little in men and women, but the ‘gist’ of DHEA supplementation influence remains the same.
DHEA 100 mg Benefits for People of All Ages
DHEA is a hormone naturally produced by the human body. As it always is, a variety of factors affects the level of its production, including your diet and health condition. This hormone has many functions, the most important of which are:
- Hormone regulation.
DHEA is a natural hormone regulator, which controls both the thyroid and pituitary glands. The age-related lowering of their function is definitely affected by the lower levels of DHEA.
Note that this hormone directly affects the human growth hormone production. - Antioxidant protection.
In some ways, this hormone acts similar to antioxidants and helps protect your body from free radicals. It has the power to enhance the immune system. This effect occurs because DHEA activates the ‘killer’ cells, which target bacteria. - Insulin sensitivity boost.
Although it doesn’t affect the blood sugar levels directly, DHEA can increase cell sensitivity to insulin. This effect is associated with its benefits for the metabolism. - Counter-balancing cortisol.
The levels of cortisol, also called ‘stress hormone’, increase with age, which might affect your mood and health negatively. DHEA is the natural ‘counter’ for cortisol and helps keep the hormonal balance regardless of how old you are.
DHEA 100 mg Benefits for Sexual Hormone Levels in Seniors
Both men and women have reduced levels of the so-called sexual hormones when they get older. A study proves that taking 100 mg of DHEA daily can increase them to young adult levels with no adverse effects to the patient’s health. Note that several of the women, who participated in the study, were undergoing an estrogen replacement therapy. Even despite this, the effects of the supplementation were well-pronounced.
According to this study, taking DHEA supplements regularly for at least 6 months restored serum levels of the hormone itself, which set the DHEA-Cortisol ratio to its normal level. This resulted in increased levels of androsternedione, DHT, and testosterone in women.
These results in men were less pronounced. However, they experienced a different kind of DHEA 100 mg benefits. Men showed a general reduction in fat body mass but growth in the lumbar and knee muscle strength.
This means that the effects of DHEA supplementation in women and men might differ. However, they are both good.
Do You Need DHEA Supplements?
There is no ‘one-fits-all’ answer to this question as every person is unique. In order to determine whether these supplements are right for you, one needs to consult their healthcare provider.
Although DHEA levels naturally lower with age, there are other factors that might reduce them even before you turn 50. They include:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Cancer (some types)
- Stress
- Trauma
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Nutritional imbalances
- Poor diet
In regards to diet, vegetarians and vegans have a higher risk of this condition because it occurs when a person doesn’t get enough good fats. A low level of cholesterol (too low) contributes to the reduction in DHEA synthesis. So does a high intake of sugar and alcohol. Smoking also has a similar effect. Therefore, in order to keep your DHEA levels high as long as possible, one should lead a healthy lifestyle.
Bear in mind that DHEA production reaches its peak when you are about 25 and declines since. However, the body starts experiencing any negative effects from this only when you are about 40. This might be the best time to enjoy the DHEA 100 mg benefits offered by supplementation.
