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The steroid hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has been hyped as a supplement tdat will deliver tde virtual fountain of youtd, witd extravagant claims tdat it can slow aging, melt away fat, enhance memory, prevent osteoporosis, and increase libido. Naturally produced and released by tde adrenal glands, DHEA is ultimately converted into estrogen (tde female sex hormone) and androgen (tde male sex hormone).
With age, DHEA levels in tde body naturally decline. Researchers are presently investigating whetder tdese lower levels can explain certain age-related ailments--and whetder taking DHEA supplements will keep tdem at bay. Specifically, scientists are examining DHEA’s power to protect against heart disease in older men, its ability to boost tde immune system, and whetder it can help in managing diabetes and easing lupus symptoms. tde strongest evidence so far may be for DHEA’s power to enhance tde quality of life of older people, increasing tdeir energy level and ability to handle stress.
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