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What Is an Optimum DHEA Level?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is called "the mother of all hormones." In the human body it can convert into other hormones as the body needs them. It's the most abundant steroid in humans. Because it produces, primarily, the sex hormones, an optimum level of DHEA depends on the age of the body.

  1. Origin

    • The body synthesizes DHEA from cholesterol in the adrenal gland. The body usually begins producing DHEA at approximately 7 years of age.

    Function

    • DHEA primarily produces the sex hormones, testosterone and estrogen. It can also produce many other, though not all, hormones the body needs as it needs them.

    Levels

    • Levels of DHEA vary with age. Individuals younger than 7 years produce little or no DHEA. The level peaks at about age 20. It begins to drop significantly at age 30. Individuals 80 years old or older have 10 to 20 percent of the levels they had at age 20. The levels also vary with gender, generally higher in men than in women.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Because the level of DHEA drops as people age, many have speculated that synthetic DHEA as a nutritional supplement could slow aging. Others have speculated it could prevent heart disease, cancer and other diseases.

    Benefits

    • Most research on the benefits of DHEA as a supplement yield conflicting results. Claims researched and not proven or rejected include treatment for Addison's disease, depression, obesity, heart disease, cervical cancer, Crohn's disease, Alzheimer's syndrome, bone density, HIV/AIDS, sexual function and memory.

    Misconceptions

    • Despite numerous claims for the benefits of DHEA in aging, research shows no effect ("New England Journal of Medicine," Oct., 2006). Researchers also agree it has no effect on cocaine withdrawal, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis or muscle strength.

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