As we age our levels of DHEA decline (in fact our level of DHEA may signify how fast we age). While DHEA has been studied for years, exactly how many bodily functions DHEA affects isn’t known but there are about 150 that have been documented and some scientists believe it could as high as 400.
Young adults and teenagers’ DHEA levela are at their peak and remain so until around age 35. Men become aware of the decline when they [don't,are unable to, can no longer] build muscle as [easily, readily]. Energy levels also begin to decrease.
There is [a new study,research] out in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition which [shows,indicates] that bone density in older women is improved with DHEA supplements [along,combined,in combination] with calcium and Vitamin D. Osteoporosis (bone thinning) affects millions of older people, women in particular, as DHEA seems to decline more sharply as they go through menopause. This study [shows,indicates], [when combined, in conjunction] with Vitamin D and calcium supplementation, DHEA stimulates bone formation and aides in calcium absorption.
Not only are DHEA levels [important,significant] in [improving,increasing] bone density but severely low levels of DHEA are found in women with Lupus – again Lupus is [common, often seen] in women who [have gone through menopause, are post-menopausal].
While many of the symptoms of menopause are caused by the loss of estrogen, there are also side effects associated with the drop in DHEA and testosterone in addition to bone density, including:
- Decreased muscle mass
- Decreased libido
- Decreased strength
- Decreased energy
Men also experience some of these symptoms of lower DHEA. Low levels of DHEA have been reported in AIDS, Alzheimer’s, viral infections, coronary artery disease, depression, diabetes, hypertension, sclerosis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, and many types of cancer.Stress is a major factor in causing DHEA levels to plummet. Controlling stress improves or at least [helps your body maintain, aids your body in maintaining] a [healthy, optimal] level of DHEA.
[Increasing,raising] DHEA levels lowers the [risk for,incidence of] atherosclerosis, causes improvements in the [whole,entire] endocrine system, improves memory and [learning ability,cognition], [increases,improves,stimulates] immune function, as well as overall psychological health. As scientists study DHEA, the list continues to grow.
DHEA replacement can be an important part of your supplemental regime. For the most accurate results, begin by getting a DHEA sulfate blood test. If you’re over 30 and have low DHEA, consider supplementing with a small dose of DHEA/7 Keto DHEA. Remember start slow and retest your levels in 60-90 days. It will take time for a change to occur.
