Understanding DHEA and Menopause
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Levels of DHEA peak in our 20s and 30s, after which they decline steadily with age. This decline accelerates significantly during menopause, when estrogen and progesterone production also drops dramatically.
The sharp decline of DHEA during menopause is thought to contribute to many of the symptoms women experience, including hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, low libido, weight gain, and mood changes. Taking a DHEA supplement may help counteract some of these effects.
Benefits of DHEA for Menopause
Research shows that taking a DHEA supplement during menopause and perimenopause may provide the following benefits:
- Alleviates hot flashes and night sweats
- Improves mood and sense of well-being
- Increases libido and sexual satisfaction
- Counteracts weight gain
- Increases bone density and strength
- Boosts energy levels and endurance
- Helps maintain skin, muscle, and joint health
How DHEA Supplements Work
In the body, DHEA serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones. Taking a DHEA supplement may help boost falling testosterone and estrogen levels, which combats menopausal symptoms. DHEA also appears to have benefits on its own without necessarily converting to other hormones.
Choosing the Best DHEA Supplement
DHEA supplements come in capsules or tablets containing DHEA derived from either wild yams or soy. When choosing a DHEA supplement for menopause, there are several important factors to consider:
DHEA Dosage
DHEA dosing should be personalized based on your blood levels and needs. Start with a low dose around 10-25mg per day and have your DHEA-S levels tested after one month to check your response.
Increase the amount gradually as needed but avoid exceeding 50mg per day unless prescribed by your doctor. Taking too much DHEA can cause side effects like acne, hair loss, and facial hair growth due to overproduction of testosterone.
Supplement Quality
Because dietary supplements are not strictly regulated, quality can vary widely between brands. Choose reputable products made by established manufacturers who adhere to high production standards.
The best DHEA supplements should be purified to eliminate any contamination and confirmed by independent labs to assure dosage accuracy on the label.
Formulation
For optimum absorption, immediate-release DHEA in tablet form is ideal. Time-release capsules may not dissolve fully to provide the full dosage.
Avoid added unnecessary fillers, binders, coloring agents, and preservatives. Simple clean products work best.
Safety & Purity Testing
High quality manufacturers test raw materials and finished products to verify their purity and safety. Many voluntarily submit their products for independent third-party certification as well.
Look for brands marked as GMP quality certified, which indicates strict manufacturing practices and quality control testing.
The 5 Best DHEA Supplements for Menopause
Based on the criteria above, here are 5 top-rated DHEA supplements to consider during menopause:
1. Zhou DHEA
Zhou Nutrition DHEA provides 50mg pharmaceutical grade DHEA in convenient dissolvable tablets. Third-party tested for purity and potency. Positive customer reviews praise energy boost.
2. Double Wood Supplements DHEA
Double Wood offers micronized DHEA for optimal absorption in amounts of 25mg to 100mg per capsule. Soy-free and third-party tested. Made in the USA.
3. BulkSupplements DHEA Powder
This lab-tested purified DHEA powder allows flexible custom dosing. Can mix into beverages or foods. No added fillers or excipients. Over 5000 positive reviews.
4. Best Naturals DHEA
Contains 25mg vegan micronized DHEA per capsule derived from wild yam. GMP quality certified and purity verified. 120 capsules per bottle provides 4 month supply.
5. Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals DHEA
Prescription quality DHEA proven in university studies to increase testosterone levels. Contains 25mg pharmaceutical DHEA per tablet. Tested for banned substances.
Should You Take DHEA Supplements?
As we age, maintaining healthy DHEA levels plays an important role in preserving wellbeing, vitality and quality of life. For women going through menopause, taking a DHEA supplement under medical supervision may alleviate unpleasant symptoms.
Research continues to uncover benefits outside of hormonal effects as well, from immune system support to improved cardiovascular and bone health.
While diet, exercise and stress management also contribute greatly during this transition, DHEA supplementation aligned with blood testing provides a safe hormonal balancing strategy for many.
As always, discuss personalized dosage and medical monitoring with your healthcare provider before beginning DHEA tablets or capsules.
FAQs
What are the symptoms of menopause that DHEA can help with?
Research shows DHEA supplements can help alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, flagging libido, emotional changes like mood swings or irritability, fatigue, weight gain, and difficulty sleeping during menopause.
When should I take DHEA for menopause?
The best time to take DHEA is in the morning. Taking DHEA supplements early in the day mimics the body’s natural circadian rhythm and may help avoid potential sleep disruption or insomnia at night.
Can DHEA supplements cause hair loss or growth?
In some cases, DHEA supplements may cause increased facial or body hair, hair loss, or thinning hair when converted excessively to testosterone. However, this occurs primarily at very high doses. To avoid hair changes, stick within the recommended dosage range.
Do I need a prescription for DHEA supplements?
No, DHEA supplements are available over-the-counter without a prescription. However, it is still a good idea to have your DHEA-S blood levels monitored by a doctor periodically with use.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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