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12/19/08
DHEA is a hormone which is commonly overlooked by bodybuilders, despite being the most common hormone in the body. For seasoned bodybuilders who use supplements and steroids to alter their hormone levels, an understanding of the most common hormones required for function and performance should be a given. Much of the time, however, it is not. Let’s learn more about this highly important hormone and how it affects bodybuilders.
DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, occurs naturally in the body. Produced by the cortical adrenal glands, it is what researchers refer to as a ‘master hormone’. After being produced, it is converted into at least fifty of the essential hormones used by our body.
Discussions on DHEA are relevant because DHEA levels naturally decrease as we age. While DHEA levels are very high during the years up to and immediately following puberty, a significant drop-off occurs as men reach the age of 30. Furthermore, by the time most men reach the age of 40, their DHEA levels have dropped to about half as high as they were as a youth. It goes without saying that if a chemical (hormone) such as DHEA is used to make other hormones (necessary for muscle growth), then a reduction in the body’s levels of DHEA could and would likely lead to a reduction of other hormones in the body.
If you are over the age of 30, supplementation with DHEA is advisable. Your body lacks this foundation of hormones necessary for muscle building and maintenance. If you are over the age of 30 and using AAS, then supplementation with DHEA should be an absolute requirement. You’re already causing your endocrine system to halt production of testosterone. Allowing DHEA levels to drop in the meanwhile can mean you don’t have adequate hormones on hand to begin natural production once your cycle ends. Supplementation with DHEA is extremely effective in older people, and less effective in men under the age of fifty. However, even if it can only add 1% to your hormone function, isn’t that one percent worth the effort? As bodybuilders, we know that every small bit of hormone assistance we can give our bodies, the better!
Dosing for males should range from 50 to 100 mgs per day. Women can use 10 to 25 mgs for sufficient dosing. As with all supplements and hormone assistance, you should work with your doctor to first establish a baseline of existing hormone levels using a blood panel. Then, you should follow the progress you make (while using a particular supplement) in order to view exactly how effective this supplement was for you. This may seem tedious or frustrating at times. Learning about all of these chemical levels will serve you very well, however. As you age, you’ll be able to pinpoint exact hormone and other chemical deficiencies in the body, and you can address them before they lead to medical problems. Additionally, as you use supplements or AAS, you’ll be able to immediately ascertain not only progress you are making, but be alerted of any damage you are inflicting, before it’s too late.
