When you think of hormones, DHEA probably doesn’t come to mind. You may not even have heard of it before, which is crazy given how important it is to every function in our bodies.
Estrogen and cortisol may be more well known, but DHEA is the unsung hero of the group, the hormone that other hormones need in order to do their own jobs. Like the mother of this big hormonal family, DHEA not only has its own functions when it comes to your health (ahem – anti aging), but its biggest job is helping to produce – and keep in line – other hormones including estrogen and testosterone.
So, to stick with the mom metaphor, when DHEA is unhappy (well, unbalanced), nobody’s happy – or rather, your other hormones can also go a little haywire causing a health domino effect.
DHEA Benefits: What Makes This Hormone So Special?
DHEA is predominantly produced in the adrenal glands which are located directly on top of each kidney. Levels of DHEA typically peak in early adulthood, around the early twenties, and then gradually decline as you age. According to research from Mount Sinai, by the time people are between the ages of 70 and 80, their “DHEA levels are only 10% to 20%” of those in young adults.
At its basic level, DHEA is a precursor hormone, meaning it is used to build other hormones, and it is an androgen, or male sex hormone. But its work and influence on the body goes far beyond those titles.
DHEA Might Just Be an Anti-Aging Superhero
DHEA is the body’s most potent healthy aging hormone. More research still needs to be done in this area, but it might not be a coincidence that DHEA naturally and dramatically decreases with age (as does estrogen, which DHEA helps to make) just as signs of aging like wrinkles increase.
Because there is such a strong correlation between a drop in DHEA and aging, it’s theorized that taking a DHEA supplement could potentially help minimize signs and side effects of aging. While more research is being done, it is worth keeping an eye on your DHEA levels given that this hormone is responsible for keeping your skin moisturized, your bones strong, and your cortisol in check, all things that can lead to increased signs of aging.