(8 products available)
Dehydroepiandrosterone, abbreviated as DHEA, is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body and is produced by the adrenal glands. DEHA supplements are used to increase DHEA levels in the body, which decrease with age.
It is primarily used as a treatment for age-related illnesses. Hormon dheas is one of the hormones that DHEA gets converted to. There are three main types of DHEA supplements:
DHEA sulphate
This is the predominant form of DHEA in the circulation in the body. DHEA sulphate is a natural steroid compound that is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to sex hormones like oestrogen and testosterone. It is important to note that while sulfation usually inactivates steroids, for DHEA sulphate, it enhances its biological activity.
DHEA acetate
This is a derivative of DHEA where a simple acetate group is added to the hydroxyl groups at C-3 and C-17 positions. This is done to increase its lipophilicity, thus improving its bioavailability in oral or intramuscular forms of the drug.
DHEA cypionate
DHEA cypionate is a synthetic version of the hormone and is acylated at C-17 and C-21 hydroxyl groups. The hormone is lipophilic, thus enhancing its solubility and prolonging its half-life in the human body.
The main function of DHEA supplementation in the body involves converting the hormone into other sex hormones, mainly testosterone and oestrogen. This is especially in postmenopausal women and aging men, who have lower levels of the hormones.
The supplements are also believed to improve libido in both men and women, enhance cognitive function, improve overall moods, and keep the body more energized.
Humans synthesise and secrete DHEA from the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. Mostly, it is secreted and synthesized in the flowing pattern throughout one’s life. Young adults have the highest levels of the hormone and, with age, the levels decline. By age 70, the levels decrease to about 10% of those in youth.
DHEA is synthesised from cholesterol as pregnenolone, which is then converted into DHEA through enzymatic action in the adrenal zona reticularis layer.
It is worth noting that while DHEA has androgenic activity by attaching to androgen receptors, much of its biological activity is through conversion into testosterone and oestrogen. These are the two principal sex hormones in the body.
Research has shown that DHEA affects serotonin and dopamine receptors, which are important neurotransmitters in the brain responsible for motivation, pleasure, and mood, thus improving cognitive function and overall well-being.
There are a number of guidelines to note when taking DHEA supplements for sale. They include:
The global DHEA market was valued at USD 4 million in 2021 and is expected to grow by about 10% annually through 2031. This is due to the rising demand for testosterone boosters, especially among the aging population. DHEA supplements are becoming increasingly popular due to their potential to improve sexual health, cognitive function, and skin health.
DHEA supplements can be natural or synthetic. Natural ones are extracted from wild yam or soy plants, which are the most cost-effective raw material manufacturers can use to produce DHEA supplements. Another commonly used raw material manufacturers use for the synthetic variety is cholesterol.
In addition to the growing interest in anti-aging therapies, there is a growing trend toward natural and plant-based ingredients in the health supplements industry.
Natural health product retailers
Retailers like health food stores, pharmacies, and online platforms are stockists of DHEA supplements. This is because they attract health-conscious customers who are interested in hormonal balance and sexual health products.
Fitness and supplement stores
Including DHEA in bodybuilding and fitness supplements is a common practice. This is because the hormone is used to increase muscle mass and improve recovery time in athletes.
Medical and wellness clinics
Some clinics that focus on bioidentical hormone replacement therapy may stock DHEA supplements to cater to patients seeking hormone balance. These clinics usually consult patients, therefore, having a better understanding of their clients’ needs and stocking the medicine accordingly.
Specialty online stores
Consider wholesale DHEA supplements from specialty online stores that focus on hormone health, anti-aging, or men’s health. They tend to provide detailed product information and often offer bulk purchasing options for business customers.
Fitness and bodybuilding communities
For the last couple of years, there has been a growing interest in DHEA supplements in fitness and bodybuilding forums/communities. In the communities, members discuss the benefits in detail and this could lead to some joining the hype and eventually making the supplement as part of their routine.
Clients who purchase DHEA supplements in bulk and resale have distinct needs and profiles. Below are the common buyer personas:
The health-conscious individual
This persona is likely to be in their 40s-60s, seeking solutions to maintain hormonal balance, boost energy, and enhance overall well-being. Prefers natural or bioidentical supplements and values high-quality, ethically sourced ingredients.
The fitness enthusiast
Usually in their 20s to 40s, this persona is looking for supplements to support muscle growth, improve athletic performance, and aid in recovery. They prioritise products with scientific backing and don’t mind stating the supplement causes testosterone increase.
The anti-aging seeker
This buyer persona is typically a woman in her 50s-70s, looking for ways to counteract the effects of aging. They are interested in DHEA supplements for skin health, improved hair quality, and maintaining youthfulness. They prefer products that are specifically marketed for women.
The biohacker
This persona is usually in their 30s-50s and interested in optimising their body’s performance. They are seeking DHEA for potential cognitive benefits, improved libido, and overall energy enhancement. They value purity and are interested in pharmaceutical-grade supplements.
There are a number of measures suppliers take to ensure safe DHEA supplements are manufactured and they all upscale quality. However, there are a couple of issues suppliers should consider when buying and selling DHEA supplements.
Often, quality and safety are very closely related, as are precious supplements like DHEA. One of the most critical factors affecting product quality is the source of raw materials used to manufacture the supplements. Therefore, to ensure safety measures, manufacturers should consider premium quality raw materials. This is whether they are sourcing natural ingredients like wild yam and soy or even cholesterol for the synthetic ones.
Another thing to pay attention to is the manufacturing processes and equipment. Prioritising those who follow Good Manufacturing Practices should be a requirement when selecting suppliers no matter the cost implications. This is because, in the long run, it will be safer and more effective for customers and better quality products will uphold the manufacturers’ and resellers’ brand reputation.
For DHEA supplements for sale to be of the intended efficacy, manufacturers need to conduct third-party testing. This tests potency, purity, and quality to ensure the supplement doesn’t contain any harmful additives. Go for those that provide comprehensive lab test reports and certificates of analysis.
DHEA is considered a controlled substance in some regions, as are its supplements. Its possession and distribution can lead to prosecution. It is important to check local laws and regulations regarding the supplement to avoid the substance being banned or subject to high penalties.
In areas where it’s legal, ensure stockists have the necessary permits and licences to deal with controlled substances. This helps minimise legal liability and ensure compliance with the law.
Some common side effects of taking DHEA supplements include high blood pressure, acne, hair loss, increased body and facial hair, irregular menstrual periods in women, and breast tenderness. Other side effects include changes in libido and mood swings. These are according to a cohort study published in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information.
According to a study by the National Institutes of Health, there are some contraindications to the supplements. They include those with hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, prostate cancer, and endometrial cancer, should avoid DHEA supplements. Additionally, individuals with liver conditions, heart disease, or high cholesterol should also avoid the supplements because it can worsen their conditions. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the supplement as well as individuals under the age of 18.
Yes, women can gain muscle from taking DHEA supplements, it can be more challenging due to lower levels of natural testosterone. Nevertheless, DHEA can help increase muscle mass and strength, particularly in older women or those with hormonal imbalances.
People using DHEA supplements should take a break of between four and six weeks before they can restart supplementation. This helps prevent the body from becoming dependent on the supplement. Also, it allows the body to reset its natural hormone levels, reducing the risk of potential side effects or imbalances.
People should be wary of a number things when buying DHEA supplements. Number one is they should check for high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade DHEA to ensure they are getting a pure and potent product. Make sure it is sourced from reputable manufacturers who use premium-quality raw materials like cholesterol. Go for supplements that have been rigorously tested by independent third-party laboratories for purity and potency. Ensure it has no harmful contaminants, additives, or manufacturing chemicals.