For centuries, notes Marla Ahlgrimm, humans have coveted the “fountain of youth.” In recent years, the medical community has sought ways to harness youth via cosmetic surgery, moisturizing creams, supplements, and even medications. With natural hormone therapy (HT), women’s health expert Marla Ahlgrimm has found a way to make patients feel and look years younger. One secret, according to Marla Ahlgrimm, founder of Women’s Health America, is in

dehydroepiandrosterone, also called DHEA. DHEA is a steroid hormone produced naturally by the female’s adrenal glands.

DHEA production peaks in a woman’s mid-twenties. As with other hormones, DHEA production decreases with age. Falling hormone levels, explains Marla Ahlgrimm, is what many researchers believe causes aging.

Some researchers believe DHEA replacement therapy can increase immune function while reducing the risk of cancer. Many women feel that DHEA does more to enhance libido than testosterone replacement. In fact, DHEA replacement therapy increases testosterone levels. Marla Ahlgrimm emphasizes that studies are underway to determine DHEA’s impact on diabetes, lupus, chronic fatigue syndrome, and AIDS.

Feel Less Stressed

As for DHEA’s anti-aging properties, the founder of Women’s Health America says DHEA has been said to improve memory, combat fatigue, and help reduce stress. Marla Ahlgrimm points to a study conducted by the University of California Medical School at La Jolla. According to Marla Ahlgrimm, R.Ph., participants in the study between the ages of 40 and 70 took 50 milligrams of DHEA per day for six months. As a result, these individuals reported an increased ability to sleep, as well as an ability to handle stress more easily while feeling more relaxed. The placebo group did not see these increases, reports Marla Ahlgrimm.

DHEA is able to suppress the body’s stress hormone cortisol, according to Marla Ahlgrimm. Cortisol increases heart rate, blood pressure, and blood sugar, which makes a person alert and able to respond to a stressful situation.  DHEA naturally drops as the cortisol level rises. By adding DHEA through natural hormone therapy, says pharmacist Marla Ahlgrimm, your body returns to its natural balance.

Getting a DHEA Prescription

Typical dosage for DHEA is 2.5 to 5 milligrams per day for women (50 to 100 mg per day for men). This is generally given in capsule form or dissolved under the tongue. Marla Ahlgrimm explains that the DHEA is micronized, which means it is provided in tiny particles. In order to determine if a patient has low DHEA levels, a physician can test blood, urine or saliva levels.

Marla Ahlgrimm says that DHEA is available over-the-counter without a prescription, as the Food and Drug Administration considers DHEA a dietary supplement. However, Marla Ahlgrimm advises patients to always work with their doctor to obtain a prescription for DHEA when beginning any hormone replacement therapy regimen.

For more information, visit Marla Ahlgrimm’s website at www.marlaahlgrimm.net