DHEA Side Effects

DHEA is a type of hormone that is created naturally within the human body. It is a “major secretory steroidal product” that is secreted mainly by our adrenal glands. Many people choose to take DHEA supplements because of rumors that it can slow down or reverse aging, increase mental capacity and thinking skills in the elderly, and slow the progress of Alzheimer’s disease. Other supporters of DHEA swear that it has the ability to enhance lean muscle mass gains, strength, and overall energy. Both men and women use DHEA to improve erectile dysfunction and overall sexual health. The supplement is also used for weight loss, immune system enhancement, and to decrease the symptoms of menopause. However, there are some notable DHEA side effects that need to be addressed regardless of whether or not the supplement actually works.

Athletes and DHEA Side Effects

Athletes and other people use DHEA as a testosterone booster to increase muscle mass, strength, and energy. But DHEA use is not always the safest thing for the body. Common DHEA side effects include acne, upset stomach, increased blood pressure, and loss of hair. Women sometimes see changes in their menstrual cycle, increased facial hair growth, or a lowered voice after the used of DHEA. The DHEA side effects become increasingly dangerous the longer it is used as a supplement. It is not recommended to take more than 50mg-100mg per day for any long period of time. Prolonged exposure will most definitely increase the chances that side effects will surface or worsen.

There are specific DHEA side effects that may affect women who are pregnant or are breast feeding. The supplement can cause a higher level of a particular male hormone called androgen. This hormone could possibly be passed onto the infant child and effect their development in a negative manner. Women also need to be aware that DHEA can affect the way estrogen operates in their body. If a condition in the body exists that can be worsened by exposure to estrogen, then DHEA should not be used.

DHEA Side Effects – Worsening Problems that Already Exist?

There are a few other diseases that can be worsened if you start to take a DHEA supplement. These DHEA side effects include worsening liver problems, depression, mood disorders, and diabetes. Keep in mind that DHEA is a hormone in our body and has the ability to completely alter the chemistry within our system. One particular issue to pay attention to is cholesterol level. DHEA has the ability to lower HDL cholesterol. HDL cholesterol is the “good” type of cholesterol in the body and should not be lowered unless instructed by a doctor.

As with any supplement, especially one that may affect hormone balances within the body, it is a good idea to speak to a doctor. Only a physician will be able to instruct you on the finer details regarding the ingestion of a supplement such as this. Don’t put yourself at risk until you know all the details.

Here are a few reports about DHEA side effects:

“I took some DHEA for 2 weeks at 25mg. I am a 31 year old female. My period has become scant and early and my hair is thinning rapidly. I have already stopped it. I find I can almost control it with curcumin, soy, saw palmetto, evening primrose oil, NAC and taurine. Is it possible that the hair will continue to fall out even after cessation of supplementation?”

“A doctor prescribed 25 mgs daily of DHEA for my wife. She stopped taking it after 3 months when her menstrual cycle became irregular. Her hair is also coming out. If we had researched it better ahead of time she would never have agreed to take it.”

“I started taking DHEA in the interest of increasing the usefulness of my workouts/runs, increase my libido (which was waning). I was 41 when I was taking it (I am 43 now). The hormone addition did contribute to my workouts and a further decrease in BMI. I felt great. My libido had increased. My arms were cut, but then they began getting veiny, like a male body builder’s. My breasts shrunk, and my hair started falling out. Panicked, I was taking 25 mg daily as recommended on the bottle. I stopped taking it when my hair started coming out. Over time, things went back to “closer to normal.”

Stacking DHEA and Alternatives

You can definitely stack DHEA with our favorite testosterone booster, Cellucor P6 Extreme. In fact, P6 alone might be enough to give you the kiock you need.

As always, you should speak with your doctor before beginning a supplement program of any kind.

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