DHEA treatment

Are you interested in replenishing the hormones that keep skin youthful?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is not a hormone but it is a very important prohormone secreted in large amounts by the adrenals in humans and other primates. It is converted to androgen or estrogen wherever in the body these hormones are needed. The amount of DHEA is much less in humans with increasing age. Calorie restriction, which is known to delay aging, also slows the decline in blood levels of DHEAS, so a connection between the level of DHEAs and aging is quite possible.

DHEA and DHEA-S are the most abundant adrenal chemicals that are reduced as we get older, and it is thought that DHEA is involved in regulating skin aging via its control over a substance called "extracelluar matrix protein". DHEA appears to increase procollagen manufacture, prevent collagen loss and reduce the damage to skin structure caused by exposure to sunlight. In an experiment where 5% DHEA cream was used on skin, it was found to increase procollagen and protein in both aging and young skin. This would suggest it is a useful ingredient in anti aging wrinkle treatments.

From From molecular biology to anti-aging cognitive-behavioral practices..

"in the [adult] bone marrow, in addition to hematopoietic stem cells and supportive stromal cells, there are cells with the potential to differentiate into mature cells of the heart, liver, kidney, lungs, GI tract, skin, bone, muscle, cartilage, fat, endothelium and brain." In addition, very recent studies have shown that DHEA, ILs-10 and -4, and melatonin all possess potential regenerative, including stem cell-activating, properties.

Sasha recommends..

Using DHEA in a topical skin cream, it seems to aid healing and promote regeneration - but because of its tendency to turn itself into androgen / estrogen / estriadol upon demand, I would hestitate to recommend taking supplements unless there is a medical need - or at the very least until more large-scale research has been conducted, particularly on its effects in otherwise healthy people over the age of 70. Many illnessess are caused by hormonal imbalances and until the endocrine system is understood more fully, its my strictly non-medical opinion you risk throwing more fuel on the fire! However, feel free to use it in an anti-wrinkle cream. Its powerful stuff.