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What Are the Pros and Cons of DHEA for Men?
Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone naturally produced by the body. Supplements containing DHEA for men are reported to treat erectile dysfunction. While medical studies are inconclusive, there is some evidence that the supplements may help men who suffer from this condition to develop and maintain an erection. The drawbacks of DHEA, however, are numerous. It is difficult to determine the quality of the DHEA supplements, and there are many possible side effects associated with taking DHEA.
DHEA is produced normally in the adrenal glands. It is used by the body to manufacture the male and female sex hormones: androgen and estrogen. Peak levels of DHEA occur around age 25 and then decline. There is evidence that individuals with low levels of DHEA are more likely to suffer from certain health conditions, but there is no evidence that these low levels cause the conditions. Some health concerns associated with low levels of DHEA include memory loss, osteoporosis, and heart disease.
Research on the long term safety of supplements containing DHEA for men have not been conducted. It is important to take the supplement only under the supervision of a physician. DHEA should only be considered by individuals over 40 unless a doctor has confirmed low levels of the hormone in the body. The DHEA supplements should come from a professional healthcare provider. This decreases the risk of contamination and increases the likelihood that the amount of DHEA listed on the label is the actual amount contained in the product.
Individuals with a history of depression or bipolar disorder may become irritable or develop mania while supplementing with DHEA. It may also worsen existing liver conditions. Supplementing with DHEA may also stop the body from producing the hormone naturally.
Supplements containing DHEA for men are aimed at increasing the production of testosterone. High levels of testosterone may lead to baldness, high blood pressure, aggressiveness, and an increased risk of developing hormone-related cancers. Anyone with a family history of hormone related cancers should not take DHEA supplements. Because of its ability to increase testosterone levels, DHEA supplements are banned substances by the National Football League and International Olympic Committee.
Barbiturates, corticosteroids, and AZT, which is part of the drug therapy commonly used to treat HIV, can all interact negatively with DHEA. These supplements may also interfere with oral medications taken for diabetes. Supplements containing DHEA for men should not be taken with other forms of testosterone therapy.
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![A man may take DHEA supplements if he wants to build muscle mass or improve erectile dysfunction.]()
By: Christopher HoweyA man may take DHEA supplements if he wants to build muscle mass or improve erectile dysfunction. -
![It is important to read the supplement label before buying DHEA.]()
By: charles taylorIt is important to read the supplement label before buying DHEA. -
![Taking DHEA supplements may worsen existing liver conditions in men.]()
By: pankajstock123Taking DHEA supplements may worsen existing liver conditions in men. -
![Taking DHEA supplements may lead to high levels of testosterone, causing balding.]()
By: maska82Taking DHEA supplements may lead to high levels of testosterone, causing balding. -
![The adrenal glands naturally produce DHEA.]()
By: CLIPAREA.comThe adrenal glands naturally produce DHEA. -
![DHEA supplements have reportedly been useful for men suffering from erectile dysfunction.]()
By: Allen PentonDHEA supplements have reportedly been useful for men suffering from erectile dysfunction. -
![Acne may be a potential side effect of DHEA.]()
By: AustralisPhotographyAcne may be a potential side effect of DHEA.
Discussion Comments
I'm a 65 year old male and have had MS for almost 30 years. I've been taking DHEA for 4 years now, (25 mg daily). Before starting it, my hands and sometimes my feet, 'tingled' incessantly, almost like painful 'pins and needles. It was very distracting, always present, every day, all day long. I read an article where DHEA might help treat this condition. The tingling has virtually disappeared since starting DHEA, even to the point where if I miss taking it, the tingling returns within 24 hrs. I still have the other challenges that come with MS, but I'm a little more comfortable while taking it. In no way would I ever suggest that it would benefit everyone but it sure does help me.
I don't recommend DHEA for men with prostatitis or other prostate conditions because it aggravates them. I used the supplement for only a week but had to stop because my prostate became inflamed and I developed pain and difficulty urinating.
Considering the frequency of prostate issues in older men, I don't think that DHEA is a good option for men above fifty. It may not be a problem for younger men, but watch out for side effects like hair loss.
@bluedolphin-- I think that's a possibility. That's why it's a good idea to ask a doctor first and only use DHEA if the doctor recommends it.
I have been taking DHEA for several weeks now and I'm definitely experiencing some positive changes, mainly more energy and increased libido. It does make me moody sometimes but I think that taking a low dose and taking a break from the supplement once in a while can prevent that. I have not experienced any other negative side effects, but I realize that they may occur as I keep using the supplement. That's why I'm being cautious and sticking to a low dose.
Since DHEA is the precursor for both androgen and estrogen, is it possible to know which hormone levels will increase when supplementing with DHEA? I mean, if DHEA supplements end up increasing estrogen in a man and not androgen, that will be problematic, won't it?
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