According to nutritionist Beth M. Ley, Richard N. Ash M.D. and numerous other physicians, DHEA can not only effectively reduce aging but can also help treat and prevent disease.

"Dhea levels naturally drop as people age, and there is good reason to think that a dhea supplement may extend your life and make you more youthful while you are alive. DHEA protects brain cells from Alzheimer's and other senility associated degenerative conditions."  Dr. Ward Dean, M.D. "Smart Drugs and Nutrition"

"Current research suggests that dhea may be of value in preventing and treating cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, obesity, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, other memory disturbances, immune disorders including aids and chronic fatigue. Dhea may also enhance the body's immune system response to viral and bacterial infections. Perhaps most interesting, dhea is currently being investigated as an anti-aging hormone. New evidence suggests this hormone is so beneficial for so many different conditions that it may turn out to be the most important medical advance of the decade."  Dr. Alan Gaby M.D., "Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis"

"Dhea increased the normal life span of lab animals by 50%, reduced body fat by one third, and increased lean muscle tissue."  Dr. Arthur Schwartz, Temple University

"Dhea has the ability to lower body weight regardless of caloric intake."  Dr. Neecie Moore "Bountiful Health, Boundless Energy, Brilliant Youth, The Facts About Dhea"

Dhea is short for "dehydroepiandrosterone", a hormone that is produced by the adrenal glands. Production of this hormone peaks between the ages of 18 and 25 and starts to decline with age. Current studies show that if we can maintain high levels of dhea, we can actually prevent disease.

One of the known actions of dhea is that it regulates hormones through specific or non-specific receptors.

Hormone therapy with synthetic hormones such as estrogen and progesterone are widely prescribed, in spite of all their known side effects. Side effects from these synthetic hormones consist of: an increase in uterine and breast cancer, blood clots, breast tenderness, weight gain, depression, skin breakouts, hair loss, masculizing effects, insomnia, amenorrhoea, rise in blood pressure, migraine headaches, and an increase in LDL levels and decreased HDL levels.

Estrogen therapy has been shown to increase endometrial cancer. Dhea converts to estrogen and testosterone. Studies show that women given dhea, rapidly convert it to estrogen, causing a 300 to 500% temporary increase. Testosterone levels also temporarily increase by this same amount but this effect only occurs if the body naturally requires such a conversion, making dhea far safer than taking synthetic hormones.

Dhea is non-toxic and is remarkably free of side effects. Signs that you may be taking too much dhea are acne, facial hair, rapid heartbeat, irritability, anxiety, headaches, and difficulty sleeping. If you should experience any of these effects, reduce your intake and consult with your physician for recommended amounts.