Many women experience hormonal imbalances as they age. These changes can affect everything from bone health to mood and energy levels. One hormone that you should be aware of as you move forward is dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which plays a significant role in the aging process.
Yes, we know. You’re probably wondering….
What’s the big deal about DHEA?
What is DHEA and why does it matter to me?
We at Belmar Pharmacy are here for you with the FYI, so let’s dive in to learn more about DHEA and you.
What Is DHEA?
DHEA is an important hormone precursor made by the adrenal glands and is also produced in small amounts by the ovaries and testes. Hormone Precursors are substances that the body transforms into other hormones. DHEA can be converted into other powerful hormones such as testosterone and estradiol.
Basically, DHEA has a very important role!
Natural DHEA levels decline slowly with age. If your body becomes low in DHEA, it may lead to a variety of issues, including:
- Extreme fatigue
- Feeling achy and weak
- Feeling exhausted or overwhelmed
- Joint pain
- Loss of libido
- Lowered immunity
- Weight gain
So now you might be thinking, “Well, I’m not old, so I don’t have to worry about it.” Well, here’s the thing: DHEA levels peak in your mid 20’s and start their decline as early as your 30s which may also lead to an increased risk for the following conditions:
- Adrenal fatigue
- Heart disease
- Certain cancers
- Decreased immune function
- Depression
- Diabetes
- Infections
- Osteoporosis (bone loss)
- Sarcopenia (muscle loss)
So now let’s take a look at how supplementation can help.
Should I Take a DHEA Prescription?
Research has shown that a DHEA prescription can effectively increase DHEA levels, and the benefits are immense! Taking a prescription of DHEA may help women:
- Boost libido
- Boost the immune system
- Increase muscle strength
- Improve bone mineral density
- Improve memory and overall cognitive function
- Lose weight
- Raise energy levels
- Relieve menopausal symptoms like night sweats
It has also been shown to improve skin texture and appearance in people over the age of 60, especially women. Make sure you speak to your doctor who can provide medical advice on whether DHEA prescription is right for you.
How Can Compounded DHEA or BHRT Help?
If your doctor has diagnosed you with a DHEA deficiency, you can receive a compounded DHEA prescription or DHEA can be added to your bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) where the hormones are made from plant compounds with the same chemical structure as those found naturally in the human body.
And the best part?
This type of solution is personalized to your body’s needs! Isn’t that great? Compounding pharmacies like Belmar Pharmacy offer DHEA and BHRT compounded medications that are specifically made for you based on a prescription from your doctor.
So there we go, ladies! Now you know why DHEA is one hormone you don’t want to ignore. Low DHEA levels may cause serious health conditions, so it’s best to catch any deficiencies early on so you don’t skip a beat.
Remember, we’re here for your health and want you to maintain the highest quality of life possible! That’s why we’re all about providing you with the information you need to make the right decisions for you. If DHEA supplementation sounds like something you might be interested in, or if you have any more questions, reach out to your doctor to schedule an appointment. You deserve it!