PureBulk

Supplement Facts Volumetrics Certificate of Analysis

What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It is the adrenal precursor for numerous hormones in the body, including testosterone and estrogen.

Sometimes called the “mother hormone” because of that role, DHEA is the most abundant naturally occurring hormone precursor in the human body.

DHEA is produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, located on top of the kidneys in the human body. It is synthesized in the zona reticularis region in the adrenal cortex. DHEA is converted to specific hormones as required by the body to maintain specific functions. DHEA is also produced in the gonads, adipose tissue and the brain.

Depending on the body’s needs, DHEA can be transformed into testosterone (the primary male sex hormone), estrogen (an important female sex hormone), or other steroids. DHEA is also responsible for producing hormones that regulate fat and mineral metabolism.

DHEA is not water soluble, but this micronized form has an extremely small particle size (50 microns) facilitating assimilation and absorption.

Health Benefits of DHEA

DHEA plays an integral part in the regulation and production of hormones. DHEA is absorbed and taken from the small intestine and is transferred to the liver, where it is processed primarily to DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) by the enzyme sulfotransferase. DHEA and DHEAS are then transported to the various tissues in the body where metabolites, including androstenedione, testosterone, estrogens (estrone, estradiol, and estriol), androstenediol and 7-oxo-DHEA, are synthesized.

In normal adults, natural DHEA levels peak around the age of 20 to 25 and then steadily decrease, making a dietary supplement an option worth considering. A simple blood or saliva test is the best way to confirm DHEA levels.

Purity and Concentration of DHEA

This ultra fine micronized (less than 50 microns particle size) powder contains no fillers, taste additives or anti-caking agents.

Potential Side Effects of DHEA

Few side effects have been reported when DHEA is used at recommended serving sizes. Acne, increased facial hair and increased perspiration have been noted by those using larger amounts. Various androgenic effects, including acne, deepening of the voice, facial hair, hirsutism and hair loss have been reported in women using supplemental DHEA. DHEA can lead to estrogen side effects as well, including increased risk of breast cancer and undesirable or unwanted feminine characteristics. Other side effects of DHEA may include irritability and restlessness. Some studies suggest that people with HIV and Kaposi's Sarcoma (KS) already have very high levels of DHEA, so DHEA intake might be harmful. DHEA may have adverse effects if used along with 4-androstenedione, 4-androstenediol, 5-androstenedione, 19-4-norandrostenedione and 19-5-norandrostenediol--all available as sports supplements. DHEA may interact with certain seizure and pain medications, clofibrate and tamoxifen. Pregnant women, non-adults and people at high risk for or who have hormone-sensitive cancers should never use DHEA.

Recommended Use of DHEA

Serving sizes for DHEA range from 5 milligrams to 25 milligrams per day. It is advisable to start with a small amount and increase as tolerated. Some people use amounts up to 50 mg. It is best to get a baseline DHEA level drawn by a health care practitioner before beginning to supplement with DHEA and then to check the level periodically to determine whether the serving size you are taking is optimal for you. DHEA can cause problems when used incorrectly. Consulting a physician is a good idea. Serving sizes higher than 50 milligrams of this micronized DHEA should only be taken under the direct supervision and advice of a physician or health practice professional.

You can see from the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for DHEA that the volume for the safe range of serving sizes is very tiny. Therefore, the only safe way to measure a serving of DHEA is by using an accurate milligram weight scale, which PureBulk also sells.

This product is not intended for women who are pregnant or nursing.

Those with a high risk of developing estrogen- or testosterone-sensitive cancers, such as breast cancer or prostate cancer, should not take DHEA supplements. DHEA is converted into estrogen or testosterone. These hormones appear to stimulate the growth of certain cancers.

Athletes should be aware that some athletic governing bodies ban DHEA supplement use and test for abnormally high levels of DHEA as part of routine drug testing.

Bioavailability, Mixing and Solubility of DHEA

DHEA powder has a mildly bitter taste and should be taken with meals.

References & Further Research

U.S. National Institutes of Health: Can We Prevent Aging?

Wikipedia: Dehydroepiandrosterone

International Shipping of DHEA: Because many countries impose restrictions or have banned the import of DHEA, research your country's rules and regulations for importation of this nutritional supplement. If DHEA is banned by your country it will likely be returned, impounded, confiscated or destroyed and you will not receive your package delivery. You may even be required to pay fines for attempting to import a banned product. If you order DHEA from Purebulk, you agree that you will not hold us responsible or accountable should you not receive your shipment or should you suffer any financial losses as a result of your attempts to import this product. If you order DHEA from Purebulk, and you have us ship this item to you internationally, and you do not receive delivery of this item, our responsibility to you will only extend so far as to demonstrate by USPS tracking that we did in fact mail your package. We will only issue you a refund of your purchase price for this product in the case that your package is returned to us. Shipping charges, however, will not be refunded.

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates herbal and other dietary supplements differently than conventional medicines. The standards for supplements are found in the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), a federal law that defines dietary supplements and sets product-label­ing standards and health claim limits. To learn more about DSHEA, visit the FDA Web site.