Happy spring everybody! I am attending a Functional Medicine conference in Boston this weekend but wanted to share some information about DHEA. It is mysterious and not much talked about natural molecule and is very important for the human body.
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced mostly by the adrenal glands, which are a pair of small roughly pyramid shaped glands stacked on top of each of our kidneys. They make over 100 different chemicals for our bodies. Adrenal glands in some ways can be considered our ‘stress glands’ because they secrete the stress hormones adrenaline (epinephrine) and cortisol into our bloodstream when we are under any type of stress. They also make DHEA, one of the most abundant sex hormones in our bodies. Most of us stop making enough DHEA for our needs after age 30 or 35 and there are health consequences and risks associated with the deficiency.
There is strong scientific evidence that a natural DHEA supplement can:
1) Increase bone density in post-menopausal women
2) Successfully help treat depression
3) Boost metabolism and thereby assist with weight or fat loss
Unfortunately, DHEA does not get a lot of press. Once again, mainstream clinical practice lags behind science and DHEA-S levels (a simple blood test) are NOT being routinely checked in most parts of the country.
Why? Physicians are discouraged from treating deficiencies of natural molecules with the actual natural molecules our bodies stopped making. Natural molecules cannot be patented and are of no interest to pharmaceutical companies; no patent = no huge profits.
Get a better grasp on the role your sex hormones play in your body. Read more on our website or schedule a consultation with me to discuss further.
– Dr. Rich Sinda
PS – Stay tuned to find out what I learned at this weekend’s medical conference focusing on “Transforming the Assessment, Prevention, and Management of Chronic Metabolic and Cardiovascular Disorders”.