DHEA is a steroid hormone that elderly people take to replenish levels of testosterone and estrogen. DHEA, which is naturally produced in the brain and adrenal glands, rapidly decreases with age. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) functions as a precursor to testosterone in men and estrogen in women. Excess testosterone from DHEA is converted mainly to (dihydrotestosterone) and ADG (androstanediol-glucuronide).
DHEA is produced by both adrenal glands and cortisol. Therefore, higher levels of DHEA will reduce levels of cortisol. DHEA levels may be reduced by chronic stress and pituitary issues. It is very rare to have low levels DHEA, and most people do NOT need to supplement it. DHEA has many benefits for older people. However, DHEA’s side effects on bodybuilding are not worth it. The testosterone boost from DHEA cannot be used to increase lean body mass.
What Are the Effects DHEA Has on Your Body?
Supplementation is a good option if you have low levels of DHEA. Supplementation is not recommended if you already have a normal level of DHEA. This can lead to a decrease in muscle mass and a reduction in body composition. These are the beneficial effects of DHEA, even if your levels are lower than average.
- Increased libido
- More energy
- Less stress
- Better skin
- A happier mood
- Improved memory
The study, which covered 6 months of daily DHEA supplementation, found that DHEA significantly increased levels of IGF-1 in older adults. This also led to an increase in strength and decreases in fat. DHEA is a powerful supplement that increases IGF-1, and can enhance weightlifting results in elderly women and men.
Another study that included young and old men found that DHEA supplementation can raise levels of free testosterone in middle age or older men, but not in young men. The study looked at the effects of DHEA supplementation on young men and found no benefit hormonally, nor any increase in strength or muscularity from training. The evidence is overwhelming that supplementing DHEA can have a significant benefit in old age, but not while you’re younger. However, it will not have any effect on your bodybuilding.
Where Is DHEA Banned?
This list contains all countries in which DHEA is prohibited. DHEA must be prescribed by your doctor in order to be taken in these countries. It cannot be used if an athlete is participating. Both the World Anti-Doping Agency, (WADA), and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) have banned DHEA.
- Canada
- Brazil
- France
- Germany
- Finland
- Italy
- Japan
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- United Kingdom
- Austria
- Ireland
- Norway
- Switzerland
- Australia
- Czech Republic
- Israel
- New Zealand
- Luxembourg
What Side Effects Does DHEA Have?
DHEA has side effects similar to elevated estrogen and testosterone. DHEA may increase estrogen levels. This could cause increased prostate cancer risk, breast tissue growth, lower sperm output, stunted growth and increased blood pressure. DHEA side effects in women may include a deeper voice, more facial and body hair as well acne and mood changes. DHEA may also cause fatigue, headaches and worsened mood disorders.
Other Ways to Boost Your DHEA Levels
There are several ways to increase your DHEA level. These alternatives can be divided into three categories: diet, lifestyle, supplementation. You can naturally increase your DHEA by eating enough fat and cholesterol. It is necessary for the body to produce DHEA using cholesterol.
Keeping good levels of cholesterol in your diet will help promote androgenic hormone production. Eggs are a good source of cholesterol as well as fat. They balance HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol), and LDL cholesterol. Flax seeds, avocados, flax seed, flax seed, flax seed, nuts and fish are all good sources of HDL cholesterol.
Healthy living is another method to optimize your natural levels of DHEA. You can achieve this by getting 8 hours of sleep each night, lifting weights regularly, and avoiding excessive alcohol, drug, or sugar consumption. You can also use supplements to increase hormone production. These supplements correct deficiencies in vitamins, minerals, and help with stress management.
Apart from a DHEA supplement, there is a wide range of supplements that can indirectly boost DHEA. They lower cortisol and improve adrenal function. Maca, vitamin C, vitamin D3, and magnesium are all great supplements for lowering cortisol. Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc are the best supplements for improving adrenal function.
Summary
It can be summarized that there are many ways you can gain an edge when bodybuilding. Supplementing DHEA isn’t one of those, unless your age is over 30 and you are in the healthy range. DHEA may be beneficial for older people, especially if they are middle-aged.
DHEA drops rapidly with age. Bringing it back to its normal levels will positively affect hormones and energy levels. DHEA is recommended for use at a daily dose of mg per day in men, and 25-50mg daily in women. DHEA side effects include elevated estrogen in women and increased testosterone in men.
