DHEA, short for Dehydroepiandrosterone, is a natural prohormone produced by the adrenal medulla in the brain, the reproductive organs or gonads, adipose tissue and metabolized primarily in the epidermus of the skin, and the adrenal cortex.
Hormone biosynthesis and metabolism forms the various hormones and androgens we need in a cascade – converting basic complex molecules into progressively simpler but more specialised molecules.
DHEA is the result of a cascading synthesis from the very large complex molecule Acetate which is then converted into cholesterol. Cholesterol is then converted into Pregnenalone (that is known as “the mother hormone”).
From pregnenalone the body makes progesterone or 17-hydroxypregnenolone. DHEA is synthesized from the 17-hydroxypregnenolone. Then, androstenedione, testosterone, estrdiol, and estrone are all modifications or simpler compounds produced downstream in the hormone metabolism cascade from DHEA. This is why DHEA is called “the mother of all hormones”. It is the basic building block or base from which we make androgens and other hormones. Androgens and other hormones are what make us look and feel well – they are what give us our drive and feeling of well-being.
Bioidentical DHEA, or DHEA that is the same molecular structure as the DHEA made by the human body, is known by the chemical name “prasterone”. So if using a DHEA supplement you might see prasterone listed in the ingredients. A great DHEA supplement cream is sold as an over-the-counter supplement (available without a prescription) by Health2Go, Inc. called Twist 25 DHEA supplement cream.To order Twist 25 DHEA Supplement Cream on line go to www.twist25.com.
Did You Know
DHEA supplements taken orally are not as effective as DHEA supplements taken using a transdermal cream. There are two reasons – 1) most of the DHEA is eliminated by the digestive process when taken orally; and what does get into the blood stream is quickly eliminated by the “first pass effect” of the liver. So when taken orally, very little DHEA ends up being available for the body to utilize as the basic building block for which it is being taken.
This is why many of the studies published in recent years failed to show the benefits of DHEA supplementation. The studies were done supplementing DHEA with the wrong method of administration. In addition, most of the studies that do not show significant benefits from using DHEA supplements did not test effects or benefits over a long enough period of time (use > 30 days).
The second reason Twist 25 DHEA Supplement cream is the right way to supplement DHEA is that 88% of DHEA metabolism occurs in the skin. Dr. Labrie, et al, a team of Canadian researchers published this important study in February 2008. Previously it was thought that most DHEA metabolism occurs in the adrenal cortex. Actually it is in the biggest organ we have – the skin. So Twist 25 DHEA supplement cream provides the right bioidentical hormone base (what we make) supplied to the body where we need and use it (the skin).
Interestingly, DHEA also has a close relative known as DHEAS, a “sulfated” form of DHEA. Blood levels of DHEAS are 300 times higher than those of free DHEA. Orally ingested DHEA supplements are converted into DHEAS in the adrenal cortex.
Did You Know
DHEA and DHEAS are the most abundant hormone bases in the human body, and influence more than 150 repair functions throughout the body and brain.
Starting at about age 27, DHEA levels begin to decline, and this loss of DHEA accelerates as we age so that by about age 70 most people are producing only 10% of the DHEA they were producing at age 25.
High levels of DHEA are strongly associated with longevity, good diet habits and regular exercise.
Low levels of DHEA are associated with depression, dementia, obesity, asthma, Adult onset diabetes, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, increased risk for cancer, and increased cardiovascular disease.
Low levels of DHEA are associated with increased risk of death from all causes, and an increased risk of mortality for many disease states such as cancer and cardiovascular disease.
Leading endocrinologists believe that “optimal restoration of anabolic drive – true anti-aging – will be achieved by maintaining DHEA levels at the level of a healthy 30-year-old.
There is no evidence – clinical or experimental – that associates physiologic DHEA supplementation with any dangerous side effects.
Supplementing DHEA levels with a quality transdermal DHEA supplement cream such as Twist 25 DHEA Supplement Cream is much more effective than oral DHEA supplementation.
While DHEA supplementation has not yet been definitively shown to increase human lifespan, it has been clinically shown to allow a better quality of life day to day – via enhancements in vitality, energy, lean muscle, improved sleep, and increased sex drive.
