Some people use dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA supplements to relieve some of the symptoms associated with menopause. DHEA is the most abundant androgen. It is secreted by the adrenal glands and to a lesser extent by the testes and the ovaries. Recently there have been reports that it may play a role in the aging process. DHEA is normally at the peak about age 25 and thereafter it steadily declines.
DHEA deficiency in older people has been linked with medical conditions such as breast cancer, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis as well as with impaired memory and mental function. For this reason, some researchers consider it to be a possible anti-aging hormone. Some studies even suggest that people with higher levels of this hormone not only live healthier lives but also tend to live longer.
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements are said to have a number of health benefits. It has gained some popularity in treating menopause. Clinical studies on its use in perimenopausal women have yielded conflicting results. Despite these findings, some women still use it to relieve menopausal symptoms such as decreased libido, vaginal dryness and diminished skin tone. Farther research is needed to fully understand the efficacy and the safety of DHEA supplements.
Some of the women who have used DHEA supplements claim that they help to relieve menopausal symptoms without increasing the risk of both breasts and endometrial cancers. There is a possibility for DHEA to become either estrogen or testosterone in the body and this may be dangerous for both women and men who have a history of breast and prostate cancer.
Mercy Maranga Reports on Health and Fitness issues. Visit Her Site here for more information on menopause and how to effectively go through it. Menopause
