DHEA

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Frequently Asked Questions about DHEA for Bodybuilding

What is it and where does it come from?

DHEA is an acronym for the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (now you know why people use the acronym.)

It is the most plentiful androgenic hormone produced by the adrenal glands and it is quite important to body builders and athletes because in men, around 50% of all testosterone is derived from it, while women derive over 75% of their estrogen from it and nearly 100% after menopause. Levels of DHEA are quite high at birth, drop during childhood, and peak during young adulthood. The levels continue to drop throughout life. This hormone is now available synthetically as a nutritional supplement.

What does it do and what scientific studies give evidence to support this?

DHEA is HOT, and you will see why. As a pre-cursor hormone, as it leads to the production of other hormones. When this compound is supplemented, it has been shown to have awesome effects. Although the methods by which it actually works are not fully understood, research shows it may be a sort of fountain of youth, slowing the aging process. It has also been shown to help people lose weight, burn fat and build muscle, and increase sex drive. Dietary supplements of DHEA can help maintain proper levels in the body and can aid a person in their overall well being. University of California, San Francisco researchers found that DHEA levels are lower in people who are depressed, and supplements of 30-90mg per day reportedly improved their state.

Is there enough that can be said about DHEA? Apparently not. It may also have positive effects on reducing cancer risk, controlling immunity, regulating blood sugar levels, reducing blood pressure, and decrease allergic states. Research also shows that in limited trials, may help to increase lean muscle mass, elevate function of the immune system, lower cholesterol, and have reversing effects on diabetes.

Who needs it and what are some symptoms of deficiency?

Because DHEA levels decrease with age, people above middle age can have incredible results as the studies above have shown. It can aid people that suffer from depression and lupus; but, importantly, body builders or athletes can have some of the greatest beneficial results. They can use it to help build strong muscles and lower body fat. It is also said to help keep the brain clear and the skin smooth as well!

How much do I take? What about side effects?

Take the recommended dosage given on the label, viz: 15 to one 100 mg tablet per day for adults. Clinical studies show that up to 6-8 g daily has been given to humans in trials without major side effects. Reports from women taking 100 mg per day, include slight androgenic effects (facial hair) and mild acne.

Can it increase a persons libido?

Because DHEA is a master hormone which controls the production of a vast array of the bodies internal chemistry, no single effect such as an increased sex drive can be guaranteed. Dependant upon the persons age and residual DHEA levels, however, the addition of DHEA can produce a full range of youthful attributes, including enhanced libido.

Does DHEA boost the bodies immune system?

Yes! It does! This is not to say that it "cures" immune deficiency diseases, but it will boost the bodies ability to fight off infections by enhancing the systems creation of antibodies.

I have been told that DHEA will burn away fat. Is this true?

DHEA alters the bodies metabolism to allow it to turn excess calories into heat instead of fat. The individual's resultant weight loss depends, of course, on the individual and their commitmentto weight loss.

How long before I start feeling the effects of this replacement hormone?

This depends again on individual age and residual levels of DHEA in the body. Within two to three weeks, the full effects should start kicking in.

At what age should a person start taking DHEA?

Anytime after 25 the bodies natural level of DHEA starts declining. If you want to maintain your youth, you should keep this important hormone at youthful levels, thereby assuring healthy cell nourishment and regrowth .