DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a multifunctional steroid (natural steroid hormone prasterone), not related to hormonal drugs, capable of regulating life support processes in the body. DHEA is produced primarily in the adrenal cortex.
Depending on the needs of the body, the hormone is converted into sex hormones - testosterone or estrogen. Acting on androgen receptors, it has a powerful anti-aging effect on the body, affecting enhanced tissue regeneration.
The effect of hormones on the human body
The following factors depend on the state of the human hormonal system:
- the ability to reproduce offspring;
- stability of the psycho-emotional level;
- well-coordinated work of the internal functional system of a person;
- external physical attractiveness.
But if an insufficient amount of hormones is produced in the body, then all sorts of failures begin to occur:
- violation of the thyroid gland;
- in women, natural cycles are disrupted and sometimes infertility is threatened. And at a more mature age, they begin to suffer from severe changes in the hormonal system, which primarily affects the work of the cardiovascular system and can threaten with a hypertensive crisis;
- men show signs of obesity;
- stress resistance decreases.
Thus, there is a partial weakening of many functions of the body.
What happens in the body with a decrease and increase in AMH
AMG or Anti-Müllerian hormone is synthesized in the human gonads from the first minutes after the baby is born. The highest point of production is reached during full puberty.
After that, AMG begins to gradually decrease:
- in men, AMH reaches a certain level and remains at this level until the end of life;
- in women it lasts until menopause.
It is important to remember that if the AMH level began to fall at reproductive age, it means that serious health problems occur in the body.
Causes of low and high AMH levels in men and women
Elevated AMH can provoke:
- ovum hyperstimulation in women;
- in men, the appearance of primary female characteristics.
Lowered AMG:
- in women, reports on pathological phenomena in the genitourinary system;
- in men, there is a decrease in sperm activity.
In any case, jumps in the AMG level should be the reason for contacting a specialist.
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DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Its biological effect is still not fully understood, but according to scientists, it is this hormone that helps a person stay young for a long time.
The action of the hormone for humans is expressed in the effect on:
- appetite;
- anti-estrogen;
- menopause;
- fat loss;
- preservation of youth;
- increased testosterone.
DHEA functions
The biological role of the DHEA hormone in the human body is important.
Its functions include the following:
- help in thinning adipose tissue on internal organs, as well as burning subcutaneous fat;
- by burning fat, this hormone helps to produce a large amount of energy;
- stabilization of the psycho-emotional background, as well as increased resistance to stress;
- increased sex drive;
- normalization of hormonal levels in any age category;
- when exposed to unfavorable climatic or living conditions, assistance in supporting the immune system;
- with focal destructive disorders of the brain, the hormone helps to stabilize the situation and reduce the risk of developing tumors;
- improving the functioning of the cardiovascular system and helping to lower cholesterol levels, as well as reducing the possibility of developing atherosclerosis;
- slowing down those processes that inevitably lead to old age.
DHEA (instructions for use contains a full description of all the positive qualities of the drug) is necessary for the body, therefore, monitoring its level is recommended by medical specialists. If there is a deficiency, it is important to replenish it with the help of special preparations.
Role of the hormone in pregnancy
DHEA (instructions for use contains full instructions on how to take the drug during gestation, but it is better to follow the doctor's instructions) at the onset of pregnancy is prescribed when its concentration in the blood of the expectant mother decreases.
It is important to remember that during pregnancy, a woman experiences a constant decrease in this hormone (unit of measurement n / mol):
- I trimester - from 3.15 to 12.46;
- II trimester - from 1.5 to 6.8;
- III trimester - from 0.84 to 3.8.
In this situation, an additional reception is prescribed for the correct intrauterine development of the unborn child and so that the woman's body can prepare for the lactation period.
DHEA hormone rate
DHEA instructions for use contain dosage rates, which are indicated in n / mol and have the following indicators.
Women:
- from 5 to 14 years old - 0.25 - 8.6;
- from 15 to 30 years old - 3.40 - 11.50;
- from 30 to 50 years old - 1.80 to 7.5;
- after 50 years - 0.94 - 3.30.
Men:
- up to 20 years old - 0.7 - 10.4;
- from 21 to 45 years old - 1.2 - 12.1;
- after 45 years - 1.5 - 8.8.
Reasons for the shift from the norm
Any shift away from the indicators inherent in a particular age group and gender may indicate the development of any diseases:
- lack of enzymes that help synthesize hormones in the adrenal cortex;
- Cushing's disease and syndrome;
- oncology in the area of the lungs, genitourinary system or pancreas;
- polycystic ovary disease in women;
- formations in the form of tumors over the adrenal glands;
- inhibited functioning of the protective placenta in pregnant women;
- development of psoriasis.
If you feel worse, you can use the services of a medical laboratory to determine the normal level of hormonal levels and check the state of hormonal levels.
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Any deviation from the norm can lead to negative health consequences.
An increase in the concentration of the hormone leads to the following pathologies:
- in women during pregnancy, a miscarriage may occur, and infertility may well develop;
- excessive hair growth in women (hirsutism);
- the skin may suffer from acne.
A decrease in concentration can lead to diseases such as:
- development of oncology;
- stroke or heart attack;
- loss of energy and early fatigue;
- Edison's disease, in which the patient suffers from late puberty.
Indications for taking DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S)
The DHEA hormone is used in a complex action in clinical therapy and in the prevention of the following pathologies:
- With the manifestation of signs of chronic fatigue in people in old age. With the help of the drug, it is possible to increase the activity of muscle mass and provide the necessary energy. The result is observed in some groups of patients after a few weeks.
- The drug must also be used after all sorts of severe viral diseases, with pathologies of an infectious nature, after surgery, with disorders in the immune system.
- In oncology, the drug is often used as an auxiliary. Since in clinical trials it was found that in patients with diagnosed oncology, the level of the hormone is below normal.
- With diseases of the cardiovascular system. If the concentration of the hormone in question in the blood is normal or even slightly increased, then the possibility of pathologies in the cardiovascular system significantly decreases.
- With the necessary weight loss. This hormone is widely used by specialists in anti-obesity therapy.
Contraindications
DHEA (the instruction for use gives the advice needed to be followed) can be harmful in certain circumstances. Patients at risk of prostate or breast cancer should not take the drug. They should avoid taking this hormone.
Before using the drug, you should consult your doctor for the following health conditions:
- for violations of the thyroid gland;
- in case of malfunctions of the adrenal glands;
- during pregnancy of any period;
- in the lactation period;
- with complex therapy with other agents, especially antibiotics.
Medicinal properties of DHEA (DHEA) and preparations based on it
Among the indications for the use of the drug, the following are mainly distinguished:
- with suppression of the functions of the adrenal glands;
- at the onset of menopause, to eliminate excessive vaginal dryness;
- for better functioning of brain neurons in adults and the elderly;
- as a supplement to strengthen the functions of the immune system;
- to maintain a positive general tone for the elderly.
Composition and form of release
The composition of the DHEA preparation is as follows:
- the active substance is the hormone DHEA - 25 or 50 mg;
- excipients - calcium and resveratol.
Resveratol is a natural substance secreted by plants during the period of protection from external pests. The addition to the composition of such a drug is intended to protect the human body from external, environmentally negative stress.
Release form of the drug:
- capsules or tablets;
- cream.
You can buy the hormone of youth in retail pharmacy chains, as well as in online stores selling dietary supplements and products for a healthy lifestyle. The average retail price for a drug is from 650 to 900 rubles.
DHEA (DHEA) instructions for use
The supplement is best taken in the morning.
Depending on which problem the use of dietary supplements is aimed at, in this form it is worth taking it:
- to increase the concentration of this hormone in the blood, it is better to take it in tablet or capsule form. It is necessary to start taking it with 5 mg, gradually bringing it to the desired dose. The intake rate is not more than 50 mg per day.
- with dryness in the vagina or a problem with the skin, it is worth using a cream.
DHEA Supplements to Fight Aging
It has been scientifically proven that the level of the hormone of youth in question decreases rapidly over the course of life, therefore the entire functional system of the body ceases to work with full dedication and the person grows old.
Reasonable maintenance of the required concentration of the hormone DHEA in the blood can help eliminate many of the problems associated with impending old age.
Taking dietary supplements does not cancel the intake of the necessary prophylactic individually prescribed drugs, but it may well enhance their positive effect. In any case, it is worth remembering that any self-correction of doctor's prescriptions can lead to the occurrence of pathologies.
DHEA and weight loss
Often, professional nutritionists and trainers offer patients for whom obesity is a big problem, a course of taking the dietary supplement in question. This preventive measure is aimed at helping the overweight person as much as possible not only to lose unnecessary pounds of fat, but also to take control of their weight.
Some practical trials with DHEA suggest that with an additional intake of the hormone, it is possible to bring the weight back to normal. But in any case, before the appointment, it is necessary to undergo an examination and ask the observing doctor for recommendations.
DHEA and athletic performance
Often athletes use DHEA for vigorous athletic training.
This approach is driven by the following expectations:
- increased endurance;
- improving brain function;
- increased stress resistance;
- a set of the necessary muscle mass.
The above data is possible because DHEA is a prohormone, and it helps in the production of such hormones as testosterone necessary for athletes in an enhanced mode. There are few clinical trials that provide a scientific basis for this theory, since many sports associations prohibit the use of this dietary supplement for their athletes.
Detailed instructions for the use of a DHEA preparation usually contain a complete set of information about the product. This element is a naturally produced hormone in the human body, but with a noticeable decrease, it is worth helping your hormonal system and taking a course of the drug under the supervision of medical personnel.
Author: Maria Alexandrova
Article design: Oksana Grivina
Video about DHEA
What is DHEA and what is it for:
Hormone therapy must be treated with caution so as not to harm. I would take such drugs only as prescribed by a doctor.