The Truth About Antiaging

One of the perpetual quests of the human species is to stem the aging process and find the elusive “fountain of youth!”.

However, finding that one anti-aging product has proven to be elusive.

Although no magic bullet has yet been found, the preoccupation with longevity seems to be bearing some fruit because men and women are living longer and life expectancy is expected to continually increase.

No one cause can be attributed to this antiaging phenomenon.

Instead, many reasons are advanced: among them lifestyle changes which include more sensible eating habits, moderate exercises, getting enough sleep and notably, a naturally occurring hormone called DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). 

What is DHEA?

DHEA is a natural hormone produced by the adrenal gland. The connection with DHEA and aging or anti-aging is that the production of DHEA increases steadily from early childhood and peaks by the mid-twenties and tends to be higher in men than in women.

At its peak, men are at their most virile and it is believed by some that DHEA at these levels contribute greatly to libido and sense of well being while others have attributed DHEA with helping in many areas including degenerative diseases, for example, osteoporosis.

The levels of DHEA decreases from one's early thirties and by the time one gets to his or her seventies or eighties, DHEA levels are down to about 20% of its peak.

During the period of declining DHEA levels, antiaging concerns increase since during this period degenerative diseases also increase.

The thinking by many, as a consequence, is that DHEA supplementation to return to DHEA levels of earlier years will allay fears about aging and the accompanying degenerative diseases like osteoporosis by stemming the aging process.

However, caution should be adhered to before taking any anti-aging product with DHEA.

Anyone who is pregnant or nursing, lactating, or have prostate problems or family history of prostate problems, or heart disease must consult a physician before taking anti-aging product with DHEA.

Possible side effects include acne, hair loss, aggressiveness, and facial hair growth on women. Too high dosage are not recommended.