There is evidence that DHEA is capable of promoting a more healthy heart. One study by Elizabeth Barret-Connor at the University of San Diego, tended to support this idea. The findings of her study showed that the men who had high levels of DHEA, had half the likelihood of 191 being subject to heart disease. Undoubtedly, more research is ongoing in this area. Studies in 1994 at the University of California, San Diego, School of Medicine, howed that middle aged subjects taking 50 mg of DHEA for 3 months had improved well being of mood, energy, sleep, and were more relaxed. Of course as the media became more involved then DHEA became the new "Fountain of Youth" and the new panacea.

Low levels of DHEA have been shown to accompany immune deficiency disease. One study showed that for people infected with HIV, there was twice the chance of developing full blown AIDS if their DHEA levels were low.

Because DHEA is a precursor to the sex hormones, it does have an effect on them. One likely consequence of being a precursor to these hormones is that it can bring about an increase in their levels. This would almost certainly account for reports and anecdotal evidence indicating that DHEA is capable of improving sexual performance and sexual pleasure.

To date, DHEA has been associated with very few negative side effects. Concerning these Dr. Chein has written:
"Because it is a precursor to the sex hormones, (primarily testosterone) DHEA can have androgenic (testosterone-like) effects on women, causing increased facial hair, menstrual changes, and acne. Some overusers have reported mood changes and increased aggression. Some male patients experienced nasal congestion and mild insomnia. And there are also cases of enlarged prostate that we've encountered with self-prescribed, excessive DHEA users who come to the Palm Springs Life Extension Institute."

We see many patients taking 25 mg/day each weekday morning.

We constantly monitor DHEA-S levels, check prostates and watch for signs of excess androgens. All of which underscores still again the need to proceed with hormone replacement under the auspices of a doctor.

[Studies done by Dr. McLeod and Dr. White indicate that DHEA levels may be decreased by statin drugs administered for lowering cholesterol. Further studies are ongoing and more detailed results are expected in the near future.]