DHEA (which is actually named Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone, a steroid, that our bodies naturally produce from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. In addition, DHEA is produced in adipose tissue (fatting tissues), in the gonads (male and female sexual organs), and also in the brain. It is said that DHEA is two steps away from testosterone, because it is the hormone responsible for producing and regulating every other sex hormone in the human body. DHEA is also responsible for our metabolism; its production helps the body gain muscle strength, and lose weight fast.
No other living species produce as much DHEA as the human being and it is the most abundant hormone in our bodies. However, as we grow old, the production of DHEA decreases dramatically: after reaching its peak in our twenties, as we turn 35 or older, our body is no longer able to produce the former amount of DHEA. Thus, we lose energy, we get tired and we start losing sexual energy. This doesn’t happen with every hormone: in fact, DHEA is the only one that declines as time goes by. Is there anything we can do about it? Actually, there is.
In the last few years, the science began pointing out the many benefits of DHEA, and since then, many people have begun taking the hormone in supplements. It is sold as an anti aging product because DHEA provides a general feeling of well being. Besides, taking a DHEA on a regular basis can protect us from many diseases. Last but not least, it works as a powerful increment of sexual libido.
As age itself, you won’t see the effects day over night. DHEA’s anti aging effects are shown gradually, so you shouldn’t wait for a magical change. However, a constant consumption of the hormone as a dietary supplementation will slowly manifest in your general state of health, as well as in your appearance.
Which diseases are triggered by the decrease of DHEA production? Because the decline in the production of the hormone contributes to the metabolic syndrome a lack of DHEA is associated, among other conditions, with type II diabetes, heart attacks, Alzheimer’s disease and strokes. Using DHEA will diminish your chances of suffering one of those common conditions.
At the same time, because one of the main benefits of DHEA is increasing your sexual hormones, you will find yourself experiencing sexual desire, and enjoying sexual intercourse with the frequency you used to have years ago. There’s no need to mention how a healthy, satisfactory sex life is vital to your well being. Plus, it helps you relief stress and maintain a stronger bond with your partner.
Other benefits associated with DHEA are an improvement in mental clarity (more concentration, better rest at night), weight loss (because it helps your body burn calories for energy), and an increment of muscle mass and strength. Although research on DHEA is far from being complete, these many benefits provide reasons enough for considering its usage.
7- Keto DHEA
7-Keto DHEA, also called 7-Keto Dehydroepiandrosterone, is by-product of DHEA. Although the effects of 7-Keto DHEA are similar to those of regular DHEA, 7-Keto DHEA does not act like a steroid hormone. When you take a DHEA supplement, the level of steroid hormones in your blood increases. But when you take a 7-Keto DHEA supplement, the level of steroid hormones in your blood does not increase. Therefore, most of the possible bad side effects from DHEA—essentially, a steroid—are avoided when taking a supplement of 7-Keto DHEA.
7-Keto DHEA, like DHEA, has been taken for a variety of physical ailments and conditions. Many people who take 7-Keto DHEA do so because it is reported to speed up the metabolism in the body, and give the user an additional boost of energy throughout the day. It is also believed to improve the amount of lean body mass and muscle, and be a helpful aid in weight loss. Current research is indicative that 7-Keto DHEA supplements are particularly helpful in assisting obese women lose fat and weight in a consistent manner.
Although the inward physical effects of 7-Keto DHEA, such as weight loss and metabolism boosting, are easier to substantiate than mental or less obvious symptoms, people also take 7-Keto DHEA because they believe it improves memory and reduces signs of aging. Like DHEA, much more research needs to be done before any of these claims can be verified. However, unlike a high use of DHEA supplements, taking 7-Keto DHEA supplements has not yet been shown to produce any negative effects similar to those found in people who take high amounts of steroids. However, people who are pregnant or breast feeding should avoid taking 7-Keto DHEA supplements because of the lack of research on any effects it had on pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Although these claims have not yet been proven or scientifically substantiated with research, some people that regularly taken 7-Keto DHEA supplements report that it improves their overall health. For example, users have reported thicker and faster growing hair, healthier skin, more general energy, stronger immune systems, and weight loss or increase in muscle mass. So far, no research has been done to support these claims with evidence other than personal experiences.
In general, there needs to be much more research on 7-Keto DHEA and 7-Keto DHEA supplements before any solid conclusions can be drawn on its health benefits or drawbacks. However, due to the fact that it is not absorbed into the body as a converted steroid and there have not been any widespread outbreaks of negative health due to 7-Keto DHEA, it may be safe to take the supplement in small doses while under the supervision of a physician.
