Dehydroepiandrosterone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Physical performance
Some studies have shown that supplementation in ageing women (but not men) using high doses of DHEA led to induction of an anabolic growth factor, increased muscle strength and lean body mass, activated immune function, and enhanced quality of life.
[13][14] However, a randomized placebo-controlled trial found that DHEA supplementation in younger men had no statistically significant effect on lean body mass, strength, or
testosterone levels.
[15]
[edit] Female reproductive health
Since 2000, DHEA supplementation has been used in reproductive medicine in combination with gonadotropins as a way to treat female infertility.
[16]The hormone is believed to act on the chromosomal integrity of eggs, creating healthier embryos and increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy.
[17] A study released in 2010 from Tel Aviv University showed that women who took DHEA supplements prior to an infertility treatment were three times more likely to conceive than those who did not.
[18] Additionally, studies conducted by the Center for Human Reproduction in New York found that women with
poor ovarian reserve who were supplemented with DHEA four to 12 weeks prior to an IVF cycle had a 22% reduction in number of chromosomally abnormal embryos and a 50-80% reduction in miscarriages.
[19] [20]
[edit] Cardiovascular disease and risk of death
A 1986 study found that a higher level of
endogenous DHEA, as determined by a single measurement, correlated with a lower risk of death or
cardiovascular disease.
[21] However, a more recent 2006 study found no correlation between DHEA levels and risk of cardiovascular disease or death in men.
[22] A 2007 study found the DHEA restored
oxidative balance in
diabetic patients, reducing tissue levels of
pentosidinea
biomarker for
advanced glycation endproducts.
[23]
[edit] Diabetes and carotid atherosclerosis
A 2005 study, measured serum DHEA in 206 men with type-2 diabetes, and found an inverse relationship between serum DHEA and carotid atherosclerosis in men. The authors say the study "supports the notion that DHEA, which is sold in increasing amount as a food supplement, is atheroprotective in humans, and that androgen replacement therapy should be considered for men with hypogonadism."
[24]
[edit] Men over 65
A 2006 study supplemented DHEA to men of average 65 years of age, and found that the men experienced significant increases in testosterone and
cGMP (Cyclic guanosine monophosphate), and significant decreases in
low-density lipoprotein (LDL). The authors say that the "findings...suggest that chronic DHEA supplementation would exert antiatherogenic effects, particularly in elderly subjects who display low circulating levels of this hormone."
[25][26]