Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone Peat described as a youth-associated hormone, abundant in the body yet lacking a single dominant function. 2 It is very similar to progesterone and present at high levels in both men and women, where it can be converted into either estrogen or testosterone. 1 Production declines sharply with age, falling to about 5% of youthful levels, a decrease comparable to that of progesterone and pregnenolone. 2 Much of the body's DHEA is formed in the brain from pregnenolone, and the brain maintains a much higher concentration than the blood; production also occurs in other organs, including the skin, and does not depend solely on the adrenal glands. 2

A major function of DHEA is protection against the toxic, catabolic actions of stress-associated hormones like cortisone. 2 It blocks the destructive effects of cortisone on the skin, muscles, and bones, actively restoring normal growth and repair processes. 2 DHEA stimulates cells to absorb and burn sugar, increasing heat production and general energy levels while helping to prevent obesity, which Peat noted is one reason young people tolerate cold better and eat more without gaining fat. 3 It also tends to improve thyroid and other gland functions, contributing to its wide range of beneficial effects. 2 Dinkov has compiled evidence that DHEA has anti-cortisol and anti-diabetic effects, improves bone turnover and skin quality, enhances mood and memory, and opposes LDL oxidation and plaque formation. 7

Peat cautioned that DHEA supplementation carries risks, particularly in a low-thyroid or high-stress context. If thyroid function is very low, or in the presence of stress, irritation, and inflammation, the enzyme aromatase is activated, which can convert DHEA into estrogen rather than protective steroids. 2 Excess DHEA can also be turned into testosterone, and large amounts of these sex hormones can disturb the thymus gland and liver. 3 For this reason, Peat recommended that hypothyroid individuals be cautious, that women avoid excessive doses due to potential masculinizing effects, and that anyone supplementing start with small amounts, such as 5 mg, taken orally with a little olive oil or butter. 4 Roddy has echoed this, noting that extreme caution is warranted and suggesting a starting dose as low as one milligram, especially for those with high estrogen symptoms. 8 Peat considered pregnenolone essentially always safe and preferable as a first intervention, as it can correct DHEA levels according to need without risking the imbalance that direct DHEA supplementation can cause. 2

Peat identified DHEA's therapeutic value in a range of degenerative and autoimmune conditions. He held a patent for using DHEA and related anesthetic steroids dissolved in an oily vehicle for treating rheumatoid arthritis, osteo-arthritis, and arthritis associated with lupus and other autoimmune diseases, administered topically or orally. 5 He noted that DHEA corrects immunological defects caused by estrogen, protects against cancer—apparently by opposing the toxic effects of excess estrogen—and, in an experimental model, cured diabetes by regenerating insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. 2 Dinkov added that DHEA is an effective treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and is FDA-approved for systemic lupus erythematosus. 7 Peat advised that when testing is desired, serum unconjugated DHEA is preferable to the sulfate form (DHEAS), though he interpreted blood or saliva tests as indicating more about liver function than actual tissue levels, making it better to simply correct the overall metabolic context. 2