There’s been some buzz lately around the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA. From mental health to libido to energy levels, some encouraging research has been happening recently about how DHEA can improve our bodies from the inside out. Want a stronger sex drive, build more muscle, fight the signs and effects of aging, and maybe improve some health conditions? A DHEA supplement might be able to help.

DHEA production peaks in our mid-20s and gradually declines with age. DHEA is a hormonal precursor to male and female hormones, including testosterone and estrogen (hormonal precursors are substances that are converted by the body into a hormone) and is secreted by the adrenal gland. Just as DHEA production in our system slows with age, so too does testosterone and estrogen which impacts our sex drive and mood. Incorporating a DHEA supplement into your health regimen can potentially provide more energy, a greater interest in sex, and lessen the impact of mood swings associated with menstruation and menopause.  For women in their mid to late thirties, estrogen production in the body is slowing down so incorporating a DHEA supplement can ease the symptoms of perimenopause (heavy bleeding, mood swings) and menopause (hot flashes, mood swings, insomnia). In addition to this, DHEA has been shown to improve symptoms of erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, orgasmic functions, and even fertility issues.

As we age we lose muscle strength, bone density, as well as mental clarity and decreasing levels of DHEA may play a role in that. Studies on DHEA reveal promise in the hormone being able to convert fat into lean muscle mass more quickly when combined with a healthy diet and exercise. As for bone density, aging men and women can gain the benefits of DHEA during hormonal changes in the body. During perimenopause and menopause estrogen levels are dropping for women and for aging men, testosterone levels are not as high; supplementing with DHEA will improve the density of bone mineral even in pre-existing osteoporosis periods. Where mental clarity and cognitive function is concerned, there have been links to higher levels of DHEA production and performing better on executive function tests, tests of simple concentration, and tests on working memory.

Because there have been no studies on the long-term effects of DHEA it is not recommended for long-term, regular use without supervision by your health care professional. DHEA levels in the body can be depleted rapidly by a number of drugs including corticosteroids, opiates, and insulin. DHEA supplements can show their benefits within two to three weeks of usage and are recommended for people in good health and older than 30 years of age.