dhea peptide FAQ

DHEA is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider. Keep DHEA out of the reach of children. DHEA is prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for use by athletes, whether they are in or out of competition. Learn more about the WADA Prohibited List here. Some dietary supplements that contain DHEA may be labeled as “testosterone boosters.” But if you have normal levels of testosterone for your age, DHEA may not increase your levels by a meaningful amount. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels, speak with your health care provider about the available tests and treatment options. Many dietary supplements that are marketed for sexual or athletic performance have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. Some DHEA products have been found to contain prescription medicines that are not listed on the label. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects. They can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a DHEA product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here. The FDA has not tested DHEA products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

While less common, the most serious side effects of DHEA are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. DHEA may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using DHEA and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

There are no known interactions between DHEA and foods or drinks. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect DHEA.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced naturally by your body. The amount of DHEA that your body makes goes down as you age. DHEA acts as a “precursor” to many of the sex hormones that your body needs to function, such as testosterone and estrogen. DHEA added to dietary supplements is made in a lab. Since your body can convert DHEA into other sex hormones, there is interest in using it for a wide range of purposes. It is sometimes promoted to improve sex drive and athletic performance. It is also sometimes promoted to reduce the symptoms of menopause and the effects of aging. But most people with these problems have normal hormone levels for their age. If you have normal hormone levels, most studies show that DHEA will not increase the levels of estrogen or testosterone in your body by a meaningful amount. Women who have a condition called adrenal insufficiency may have low testosterone levels. Some research shows that DHEA supplements may help increase testosterone levels and improve symptoms in women with this condition. But DHEA may not be the best treatment option for many women. You should speak with a health care provider about your other treatment options before taking DHEA.

The most common side effects of DHEA are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking DHEA.

If you or someone else has used too much DHEA, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222. DHEA is available as a dietary supplement in a wide range of doses. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to take DHEA safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if DHEA is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

DHEA is used for many reasons. However, the benefits of DHEA are not well defined. Some common reasons for using DHEA include the following.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use DHEA.

You should store DHEA according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

DHEA is a hormone produced mainly by your adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. Small amounts of DHEA are also made by the ovaries, testes, and in the brain. DHEA plays a role in producing sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Levels of DHEA peak in your 20s and gradually decline as you age. The decrease in DHEA with age has been associated with reductions in cognition, mood, and lifespan

DHEA is a "parent hormone" produced by the adrenal glands near the kidneys and in the liver. In men, DHEA is also secreted by the testes. It is changed in the body to a hormone called androstenedione. Androstenedione is then changed into the major male and female hormones. DHEA levels seem to go down as people get older. DHEA levels also seem to be lower in people with certain conditions like depression. Some researchers think that replacing DHEA with supplements might prevent some diseases and conditions.

Synthetic, or man-made, DHEA is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, creams, and gels. Because of its connection with aging, many people hope supplementing DHEA can help counteract age-related changes. But what does the research show? In limited, small studies, DHEA supplements taken by mouth, as well as topical DHEA applied to the skin, were shown to enhance skin hydration, improve skin collagen production, and slow age-related thinning of the skin. When it comes to other anti-aging effects, the evidence is lacking. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, a resource that provides information about vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, DHEA does not appear to influence the aging process. According to this database, DHEA supplementation has not been shown to improve cognitive function, bone strength, muscle strength, or physical performance in older adults.