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Unravelling The DHEA Hypertension Connection
DHEA, or as it is scientifically referred to Dehydroepiandrosterone, is produced by the body naturally from the synthesis of cholesterol. It is the most abundant hormone in the body and a precursor to the production of other hormones, which are required to allow the body to function healthily. But, is there a DHEA hypertension link or is there little proof to show that DHEA effects our blood pressure level?
DHEA is released by the adrenal glands and in smaller quantities by the ovaries and testes. It can be converted to other hormones like estrogens and testosterone.
There has been much interest in the link between DHEA and ageing, as the levels of DHEA peak in about our twenties, and slowly decline throughout our lives, to the point that we have about an 80% reduction.
This has led many people to believe that replacing DHEA can have the effect of slowing down ageing, and improving those illnesses and conditions whose risks increase as we get older.
There have been some studies that corroborate that DHEA can indeed help in some areas, but there have been no clinical studies that show supplementing the diet with DHEA will have a marked benefit on reducing hypertension. Although, there has been some suggestion that an increase in DHEA may elevate blood pressure and this is something that would need to be monitored closely.
Like any other necessary substance that the body needs to function well, a deficiency in DHEA can lead to a number of symptoms, including, fatigue, feeling depressed and anxious, sensitivity to noise and a loss of libido.
However, many of these symptoms can also be related to other conditions, and it would be good to get checked out by your doctor if they are persistent.
There are also physical signs of low levels of DHEA, and they include dry eyes and skin, loss of body hair from the pubic region, head and armpits and an increased likelihood of the skin becoming inflamed.
On the other hand, excessive amounts of DHEA can encourage greasy skin and hair, acne, body odour and women may find that they get increased facial and body hair growth.
As we get older the levels of DHEA reduce. This may have led many to believe that there is therefore a causal link between high blood pressure and DHEA. The evidence at the moment is not strong to suggest this link exists, and although there maybe further studies carried out in the future, a direct DHEA hypertension link at the moment does not seem to be compelling.
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