How DHEA Can Impact Aging in Men

A hormone known as DHEA can have a significant effect on men’s health and impact the aging process.

This article will examine what this hormone is, the chemical’s influence on male health, how the substance affects aging, how it might correlate to andropause, and methods men can employ to increase bodily concentrations of the substance.

What Is DHEA?

Scientifically referred to as dehydroepiandrosterone, this substance is a hormone produced inside a man’s testicles and adrenal glands. The chemical plays a significant role in helping the body produce and secrete other crucial hormones, like testosterone. Typically, bodily concentrations of this chemical are highest when a man reaches early adulthood. However, as he ages, the body produces less and less of it.

The Hormone’s Impact on Men’s Health

The chemical executes an integral role in helping the body stimulate muscle and bone growth, maintain heart strength, boost energy levels, regulate blood concentrations of bad cholesterol, and maintain internal hormonal balances.

Influence on the Aging Process

With many people focused on maintaining a youthful appearance and fighting the aging process as long as possible, it is not surprising that anti-aging drugs and protocols have received significant attention from the scientific community in recent years. Some members of the medical research community have pegged DHEA as a potential age-resisting substance.

Studies have been conducted, particularly on older individuals, to test the hormone’s efficacy in preventing or slowing symptoms of the aging process. Findings have demonstrated that those who ingest the chemical have experienced increased bone strength, better skin quality (fewer wrinkles and a shinier glow), fewer instances of muscle wasting and increased systemic levels of various sexual and reproductive hormones. Furthermore, some individuals using the supplements of this hormone have reported improvement of potentially serious medical problems, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Andropause

DHEA has also received attention for its perceived ability to help men stricken with andropause. As men age, their bodies produce and secrete decreasing amounts of many different hormones, most notably testosterone. This natural decline, as well as several other medical issues, might precipitate bothersome physical manifestations. Moreover, a lack of dehydroepiandrosterone is also believed to be a factor in the development of andropause.

Replenishing This Needed Hormone

Fortunately, men dealing with the effects of andropause or low hormonal concentrations might be able to boost systemic levels by employing various natural replenishment methods including the following:

• Consume a Diet Rich in Healthy Fats and Vitamin D – Healthy fats are found in edible items like nuts, fish, products containing Omega-3 fatty acids, chicken, turkey and eggs. Vitamin D is believed to be amongst the most critical nutrients in the natural production of the hormone.
• Exercise – Physical activity helps regulate stress hormones, which helps the body maintain a regular balance of sexual functioning and reproductive substances.
• Obtain an Adequate Amount of Sleep – Sleep also plays an integral role in the regulation of stress hormones.
• Use Nutritional and Dietary Supplements – There are numerous nutritional supplements that contain natural herbal products known to boost hormonal concentrations, such as lavender, ginseng, sandalwood and peppermint.