DHEA

• Helps to counteract stress by ­supporting the degradation of ­harmful stress hormones
• Helps maintain blood sugar levels within normal ranges
• Promotes a healthy cardiovascular system
• Supports healthy weight maintenance
• Promotes healthy hormone balance
• Enhances sexual capacity and sexual desire

DHEA (DeHydroEpiAndrosterone) is currently one of the most important natural substances in anti-aging medicine. Because of its numerous effects within the endocrine system – and therefore on the immune system as well as on the aging process of the brain – it is increasingly being used to manage diminished capacity in old age. DHEA has been shown to exert a strong harmonizing effect on the psyche, enhance stress tolerance and may also be protective against neuronal degeneration.

In youth, compared to all other hormones, blood levels of DHEA are highest. Most of this DHEA is stored as DHEA-S (DHEA-sulfate). Unfortunately, both DHEA and DHEA-S levels decrease markedly with advancing age. From the age of 40 onwards, DHEA values are reduced to a third of those of a 20-year-old, and by age 60 they drop to a ninth of those of a 20-year-old.

In several experiments, it was found that DHEA may provide effective protection against cardiovascular concerns, as it controls cortisol levels, regulates metabolic systems and supports healthy blood coagulation. Further investigations have shown that DHEA significantly improves memory, bolsters the natural effectiveness of the immune system, supports the healthy degradation of body fat and encourages optimal estrogen and testosterone production, thereby helping to enhance libido. Therefore, it is not surprising that scientists throughout the world are beginning to view this hitherto neglected hormone with new respect and new hope.

DHEA is a natural hormone that is synthesized from cholesterol in the adrenal glands, brain and skin. A large proportion of this hormone circulates within the bloodstream as DHEA-S and is bound to specific carrier proteins. Free DHEA, or biologically active DHEA, is a «mediator hormone» that supplies the building blocks for the production of other hormones, including the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen. DHEA, in cooperation with several other hormones, enzymes and vital substances, appears to act as a «buffer hormone» to restore homeostasis.

The production of DHEA declines rapidly after age 40, co-leading to the gradual cessation of estrogen production and the start of menopause in women. Likewise, this decreased production of DHEA is responsible for the age-related drop in the production of testosterone in men. In fact, it has been clearly proven that men with androgenic diseases and women who have entered into menopause have very low DHEA levels. Additionally, reduced production of estrogen and / or testosterone is also associated with disturbed production of cortisol. This leads to the altered cortisol / DHEA ratio which is associated with several diseases. In these cases, the stress-bearing ability of affected individuals is also dramatically reduced because the production of DHEA has fallen and / or the cortisol / DHEA ratio has risen.

DHEA is currently a burning focus point for some of the most intensive medical research projects of this century. Scientists at the most prominent medical research institutions in the USA, Canada and Europe are studying the properties and possible effects of DHEA. It is proving to be a potent protective agent for several health concerns including those involving neuronal degeneration, memory loss and some types of unhealthy cell growth. Some of these study groups are even utilizing DHEA for dermal issues.

Aging: Scientists researching the elderly believe that a disturbed balance between the production of cortisol and DHEA is responsible for several symptoms related to stress and aging. In clinical trials, it was found that restoring physiological blood levels of DHEA produced a general sense of wellbeing in elderly individuals. It is worth noting that even stress can be better handled when the cortisol / DHEA ratio is optimized.

Immune system health: DHEA by itself has a direct effect on lymphocytes and stimulates Interleukin-2, an important communication protein involved in immune regulation. DHEA promotes a strong immune system and supports the body’s natural resistance to infection.

Extremely low DHEA levels have been observed in persons with cardio-vascular alterations, high blood pressure, poor memory and concentration, overweight, disturbed fat metabolism, chronic fatigue syndrome, high cortisol levels, neuronal degenerations and other systemic alterations. Low DHEA levels were also found in the presence of some autoimmune disease, bone metabolism disorders, mood- and respiratory alterations.

DHEA substitution may help to reduce some of these symptoms and enhance quality of life in all of these diseases.

Healthy cell growth: DHEA cannot cure unhealthy cell growth and should not be used as a substitute for established cell therapy, as trials concerning its effects have not yet been completed. However, several studies have shown that the occurrence of specific unhealthy cell growth appears to be directly associated with low DHEA levels. In laboratory experiments, the growth of specific types of uncontrolled cell growth was successfully hindered by DHEA.

The exact dosage of DHEA can only be decided after an individual’s blood levels of DHEA-S have been determined. If blood levels are low and symptoms of discomfort are present, intake may be started from the age of 25 years. After four weeks of supplementation, DHEA-S blood levels should be between 2.0 – 2.8 µg / ml in women and 3.0 – 4.0 µg / ml in men.

The following suggested dosage should be used in accordance with the DHEA-S deficit:

Women:   5 – 25 mg

Men:        25 – 100 mg

DHEA should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach, about 30 minutes before breakfast with plenty of fluid.

Food supplements are no substitute for a well-balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. The indicated recommended daily intake should not be exceeded. Persons under constant medical care should consult a physician before taking the supplements. Product information is not to be considered a statement regarding cure; in general, we advise against self-medication without proper consultation of a doctor. Subject to mistakes and print or typographical errors.

Not suited for pregnant or lactating women.

In a few countries the intake of DHEA is strongly regulated for professional athletes.

Store in a cool and dry environment, out of reach for children.