The card security code is a unique three or four digit number, separate from your credit card number. Your security code can be found in the following locations on the following cards:

Visa/MasterCard/Discover Your card security code for your MasterCard, Visa or Discover card is a three-digit number on the back of your credit card, immediately following your main card number.

American Express card The card security code for your American Express card is a four-digit number located on the front of your credit card, to the right of your main credit card number. If your security code is missing or illegible, please call the bank or credit card establishment referenced on your card for assistance.

Feedback

DHEA

Got a Question?

Question Title

Text

DHEA is the abbreviation for Dehydroepiandrosterone, the most abundant hormone produced by the adrenal glands. In the body, DHEA is converted to testosterone and estrogen. Production of DHEA peaks in your early 20's, then declines about 10% every 10 years. This means that those in their 80's produce only 10 - 20% as much as they did in their 20's. DHEA is the only hormone that declines with age in both men and women, which suggests it may have a connection to age-related disease.

DHEA supplements are said to be effective in improving and preventing many age-related diseases. Research indicates DHEA offers therapeutic benefits in the management of many chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, disorders of the immune system, depression, and osteoporosis. Each of those medical conditions has been associated with low blood levels of DHEA.

DHEA works in three important ways: it maintains normal sex hormone levels, inhibits the damaging effects of stress, and increases the production of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. Low levels of DHEA can lead to chronic fatigue, weakness, depression, headaches, and leave one susceptible to infections and disease. Its effect on the immune system has led researchers to believe that DHEA may play an important role in fighting AIDS. Advocates claim that DHEA supplements can improve mood, increase energy and libido, counteract the effects of stress, preserve muscle, strengthen the immune system, and prevent cancer and heart disease.

The most immediate and lasting effects of supplementation with DHEA is an elevated mood and sense of physical well-being. Another benefit of DHEA is its ability to help the body burn calories for energy rather than store them as fat. DHEA blocks an enzyme named G6PD (glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase) that is not only essential for fat tissue production but also promotes cancer cell growth. Besides this, DHEA counteracts the stress hormone cortisol, which cannibalizes healthy tissue. French researcher Dr. Emile-Etienne Baulieu, who isolated DHEA in the 60's, said, "DHEA won't make people live longer, but it will improve the quality of life over a longer period of time and will postpone some of the unpleasant effects of aging, such as fatigue and muscle."