HOW LONG DOES DHEA TAKE TO WORK?

There’s been a lot of buzz around the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). Anecdotal and scientific evidence points out that it can help with everything from weight loss to fertility concerns. Some even call it the anti-aging pill or the fountain of youth. However you refer to it, if you're interested in taking a DHEA supplement, you're probably wondering how long it takes to work. Before we can dive into that query, we need to understand what DHEA is in the human body. 

What is DHEA?

DHEA is a steroid hormone that is the foundation or the precursor to other hormones. Without DHEA, you wouldn't have estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and other critical hormones. It's produced primarily in the adrenal glands located above your kidneys. The small glands produce DHEA, and then some of the hormone is converted to other hormones. In a sense, it’s their parent. 

DHEA, like all hormones, decreases as one ages. In fact, levels peak in the mid-twenties and slowly decline over time. While the process is perfectly natural, you can experience some pretty intense side effects if you have an extreme drop in this vital hormone.

Since DHEA is responsible for the sex hormones, it stands to reason that low DHEA can result in low estrogen, progesterone, or progesterone. Although the exact connection between DHEA and low hormone levels needs to be further researched. 

How long does DHEA Take to Work?

 DHEA topical creams provide the fastest way to administer the hormone. Your skin soaks up the supplement into the bloodstream. How long it takes to work will depend on how much you apply, and often you use it. Some studies showed DHEA level improvements in a week or less and for others longer.

Also, the time it takes to work may not only be about the measurable level in your body but how you feel and why you're taking the DHEA in the first place. Some health problems, such as obesity and diabetes, take time to heal. You may also be lacking in another critical vitamin or hormone that makes increasing your DHEA levels harder. 

Besides, a supplement is only as effective as the other parts of the treatment plan. For example, if you're taking DHEA for weight loss, you need a strong exercise program in place and a commitment to eating better. Or, if you're experiencing infertility issues, boosting chances of conception may take weeks or months before DHEA is really helping. Everyone is different and has multiple needs. For these reasons, how long it takes DHEA to work varies.

However, even though research needs to be more robust, small and extensive studies have shown that DHEA does work and has many benefits. 

What Dose is Good For You?

 The standard dose for DHEA or 7-Keto is 25-50 mg per day. If you take higher doses, you increase the chances of experiencing side effects. You can find DHEA in oral and cream form. Pills can be hard to swallow and aren’t as effective as a topical cream.

Your skin is the largest organ in the body and soaks up medicine through the layers into your bloodstream. Once in the blood, the DHEA is transported throughout to help boost levels and can be converted to other missing hormones. DHEA transdermal creams usually come with added natural ingredients to make the application smooth and easy.

What Are the Signs of Low DHEA?

Low levels of DHEA, while natural after a certain age, can result in feeling pretty bad at times. Or you feel slightly off or not 100%. Over time, you can get used to living life with a low sex drive or unexplained sadness. Hormones really are the seesaw in your body that can cause some pretty strong reactions if off-balance. The signs of low DHEA include the following:

Low energy

Fatigue

Depression and anxiety

Weight gain (particularly around the stomach)

Moodiness

Insomnia

Weak muscles

Heart disease

Low DHEA is also linked with medical conditions, such as dementia, lupus, AIDS, and osteoporosis. On the opposite side, high DHEA may be a significant factor in acne, hair loss, and fertility problems. If you believe you have high or low DHEA, the first step is to request a blood test from your doctor. This will help you determine if a DHEA supplement is right for you.

What does DHEA help with? 

DHEA isn’t called the fountain of youth for no reason. While the name implies it solves all problems, DHEA can help with many different health conditions, including:

• Obesity
• Low bone density
• Depression and anxiety
• Sexual dysfunction
• Low libido
• Adrenal fatigue
• Hormonal imbalance 
• Fertility problems  

For those with a hormonal imbalance, you may also need an estrogen or progesterone cream. Menopausal women have low estrogen levels, and adding back the missing estrogen helps alleviate symptoms.

Men who have low testosterone may also need DHEA to help boost T-levels. Getting a hormone test will tell you how your hormone levels and whether you need to supplement with a high-quality DHEA or 7-Keto. 

Are there any side effects?

 Most doctors say that DHEA can safely be used for up to two years with minimal side effects. In fact, you don't need a prescription or be under the care of a doctor to purchase it. It's a natural supplement that mirrors the exact DHEA in your body. If you do have any side effects, people report mild to intense symptoms that include the following:

• Acne
• Nausea
• Increased hair growth
• Missed periods

Those with hormone-related cancers, such as uterine or ovarian cancer, speak to your doctor before taking DHEA. 

Finding time to feel great in today's oh so busy world is a challenge. But DHEA may be the answer you need. It's natural and replenishes the DHEA depletion in your body. 

Exactly how long DHEA takes to work is individual and based on how much you take and why you are taking it in the first place. Like with any other health regiment, it's essential to be patient and understand that all good things come to those who supplement.