DHEA Side Effects in Men and Women
Similar to other steroid dangers
DHEA side effects can vary depending on how much of the hormone is taken. In men, the side effects of DHEA can include hair loss, acne, prostrate enlargement, and feminine characteristics. DHEA side effects in women can include menstrual irregularities, irritability, breast cancer, overain cancer, and mood irregularities. Studies have shown that DHEA use in older men and women appears to be more beneficial than for people who are looking to burn fat or increase their lean body mass. A positive side effect of DHEA involves a greater sense of well-being, which may or may not be enough to counteract some of the problems associated with DHEA supplement usage.
As a secondary note, DHEA can be made using wild yams and soy, but it has to be synthesized in the lab using these ingredients so you will not generate your own DHEA no matter how many wild yam and soy supplements that you take, so "natural DHEA" is a misnomer that you should look out for. The NCAA has banned DHEA, so as a college athlete you should avoid any supplement that may contain it. DHEA works because it is known as a "parent hormone" that is produced by the adrenal glands and in the liver. Men also secrete DHEA in the testes and it is changed in the body to androstenedione, which in turn converts into male or female hormones. People self-medicate with DHEA for depression, ED, weight loss, menopause, and immune issues. HIV positive people use DHEA for fatigue and depression symptoms. There are some studies underway related to treating lupus in women with DHEA.
One thing to look out for when buying DHEA is that many products claiming to contain it have no ingredients in them, so you won't experience DHEA side effects and you won't experience the intended results either.
Notes and Special Information
Special note: Men who take DHEA may experience hair loss, insomnia, heart issues, and female characteristics, so unless you want to be up all night pulling out your loose hair and feeling like a girl with a bad heart, you may want to re-think your muscle mass supplements.