DHEA and Your Heart
Learn how to supplement DHEA to protect your heart health.
If you’ve been reading up on the hormonal component of aging, you probably already know that declining testosterone (for men) and estrogen (for women) can cause andropause and menopause symptoms, as well as the many unpleasant signs and symptoms of aging.
But testosterone and estrogen are not the only hormones that decline with age, nor are they the only hormones affecting your health and longevity. DHEA is another important hormone to consider in any anti-aging hormone therapy.
Key Facts about DHEA
- DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in men and women
- After peaking in your mid-20s, DHEA declines by about 80% by age 70
- DHEA is made primarily in the adrenal glands
- Various organs in the body convert DHEA into a variety of other steroid hormones—including testosterone and estrogen
DHEA and Heart Health
Studies have consistently shown a correlation between lower DHEA levels and a high risk of coronary artery disease. However, as one notable study from Japan shows, the ways in which DHEA supports heart health are a little out of the ordinary. In this study, DHEA supplementation did not affect traditional markers for heart health such as total cholesterol, heart rate, and blood pressure. What it did affect was:
Artery dilation: Supplementing DHEA improved arteries’ ability to dilate in response to signals from the epithelial cells that line the inner surface of blood vessels. This is important since impaired artery dilation can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of future heart problems.
Blood clots: Dysfunctional epithelial cells stimulate the release of a protein that inhibits the body’s ability to dissolve the tiny clots that are constantly forming in the bloodstream. By supporting the health of epithelial cells, DHEA decreases levels of this protein and helps ensure tiny blood clots get dissolved before they can cause thrombosis, heart attacks, or strokes.
Blood glucose levels: DHEA does not affect insulin levels, but it does make insulin more effective by increasing cells’ sensitivity to it. This results in lower blood glucose levels and a lower risk of the heart problems associated with diabetes.
How to Supplement DHEA Safely and Effectively
Although you can buy over-the-counter DHEA supplements, remember that these supplements will give you a one-size fits all dose of the hormone, with potency and purity being questionable. Renew Youth recommends getting prescription treatment tailored to your specific needs. At Renew Youth™, we have plenty of options for supporting healthy DHEA levels, including DHEA supplementation. Please contact us today to learn more.
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