Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, the brain, and the skin. It is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body. DHEA has its own hormonal effects. However, it is also converted to androstenedione and subsequently to testosterone and estrogen. For many years, DHEA was felt to have no particular value other than a precursor to our sex hormones. Researchers then discovered that DHEA dropped steadily as we aged and could be used as a biomarker to measure the aging process itself. DHEA rejuvenates the immune system, improves brain function, relieves stress, and has been shown to be a very potent anti-cancer drug. DHEA also increases energy, reduces body fat and cholesterol, thereby preventing heart disease. Most of these effects are a result of a shift from catabolic state to an anabolic or protein building state. There has been a significant amount of research published on its critical role in our health and well-being.
DHEA has been shown to increase insulin sensitivity, which means that less insulin is required. This in turn results in not only protection against diabetes, but in greater control for those that do have diabetes. Insulin-resistance has lead to over 14,000,000 Americans having some form of diabetes. Insulin-resistance or inability of insulin to do its job results in increased glucose, increased weight, obesity and heart disease. DHEA has now been discovered to be the missing link between insulin-resistance and atherosclerosis. It is the decline in DHEA that precipitates the insulin-resistance that can lead to damage of the cardiovascular system. Diabetics that have been given DHEA have noted marked decrease insulin resistance that prevents the harmful effects of insulin on the vasculature. It has also been shown to have a significant effect in treating connective tissue disorders such as lupus, which is a disease that tends to have minimal improvement with standard therapy. Most of the tremendous effects seen from DHEA are based on its ability to stimulate protein synthesis from the cell which in turn results in an increase in cell regeneration, increase in protein synthesis and an improvement of immune function which prevents any disease process. DHEA, also, is the ultimate antioxidant, as it appears to prevent the formation of free radicals.
The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in 1995 stated that there are over 2500 published papers documenting DHEA's multiple benefits. This important paper documented that we produce half of the DHEA at age 40 than we did when we were 20. Some elderly people produce no DHEA, whatsoever. DHEA was shown to improve the quality of life and postpone many of the unpleasant effects of aging such as fatigue and muscle weakness. Patients receiving DHEA slept better, had more energy and were better equipped to handle stress compared with a placebo group not receiving DHEA. Other potential benefits of DHEA include immune enhancement, anti-cancer effects, anti-atherosclerotic effects, anti-depression, life extension, and cognitive enhancement.
Although DHEA is available without a prescription, Anti-Aging Concepts, Inc. highly recommends that a qualified physician montor this hormone. You should obtain only pharmaceutical grade product, which requires a prescription. Again, be careful with off-brands. By using DHEA that is custom formulated specifically for you by an Anti-Aging Concept, Inc. licensed compounding pharmacy will the quality be assured.
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