DHEA is the most prevalent hormone secreted from the adrenal glands. DHEA levels in children are very low. Increased DHEA production is thought to be the reason children “outgrow” allergies and asthma. The decline in DHEA levels leads to a decline in immune function. DHEA levels are at their highest around age 25, then begin to drop. Later in life, DHEA levels drop enough that we are more susceptible to allergies and asthma. Low DHEA levels can cause cold hands, brittle hair, and dry skin.

DHEA supplementation of 200 mg daily has been shown in studies to benefit lupus patients. DHEA has also been used in studies to support MS and Rheumatoid Arthritis because people with these diseases have been shown to be deficient in this hormone. DHEA is known to be anti-viral, help prevent muscle wasting, and is anti-inflammatory. Maybe the most exciting news is that DHEA studies show how much it helps with heat intolerance.

Supplementing with DHEA is not without controversy. While studies show that it may prevent certain cancers, others show that it promotes them.

Note: The body uses cholesterol to make Pregnenolone and from Pregnenolone the body makes DHEA. For this reason, some experts believe that better results are achieved by taking Pregnenolone in conjunction with DHEA.

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