DHEA Levels and Functions

DHEA or dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid produced by the body itself. It is produced by adrenal glands, gonads, and the brain. Brand names of DHEA supplements include Prastera, Prasterone, Fidelin, and Fluasterone and identical generics are available over the counter without a prescription. Before taking these supplements, one needs to check their existing DHEA levels and levels of other hormones, through a blood test.

Dehydroepiandrosterone is carried through the bloodstream to tissues and cells. Our body uses cholesterol as the basic material to produce all the steroid hormones. DHEA is present abundantly in the blood of young adult humans. When DHEA, the wonder drug is taken in the form of supplements, some of it will circulate in the blood as DHEA, but the majority (90% or more) will circulate as DHEA-S, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate.

Practically, measurement of DHEA-S is preferred to DHEA, as the levels of the former are more stable. Dehydroepiandrosterone is produced by the body in the morning, so the levels reach their peak in the early morning hours. The levels decline quite rapidly during the day as dehydroepiandrosterone is quickly cleared by the kidneys.

This hormone plays an important role in one's physiological functions and no one can survive without it. There is much confusion regarding the DHEA, naturally produced by the body, and the synthetic DHEA.

• It can block the growth of carcinogens.
• It works as an effective anti-obesity agent.
• It prevents aging.

• The serious health hazards such as cancer, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and chronic fatigue, all have one thing in common and that is low DHEA levels.
• The hormone helps sharpen memory. It enhances the function of the immune system.

• It boosts one's energy levels, it offers smooth and glowing skin, and it rejuvenates tired muscles.
• The miraculous hormone helps maintain cardiovascular health, accelerate weight loss, and helps increase HDL.
• It is known as the 'mother hormone', since it is converted into other hormones such as testosterone, estrogen, melatonin, and most other hormones, as per requirement (if levels of these other hormones are found low).

The levels of this hormone decrease sharply with age, falling 90% from age 20 to age 90. However, many other factors are also responsible for scarcity of this hormone in the body. For example, when exposed to massive amounts of electricity, one's DHEA can be drained to very dangerously low levels. Too much vitamin C can strip the body of nutrients, minerals, amino acids, and also DHEA.

Natural progesterone plays an important role in the production and maintenance of healthy and normal dehydroepiandrosterone levels. DHEA receives the substance it needs from progesterone, and progesterone obtains the substance it needs from the cells. It is observed that when progesterone levels are healthy, levels of DHEA are also healthy. Furthermore, it should be noted that progesterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in the health of both men and women.

The normal levels of DHEA for women and men in the age group of 18-19 years, are 145-395 ug/dL and 108-441 ug/dL respectively.

Declining health, chronic fatigue, reduced underarm or pubic hair growth, balding lower legs, difficulty losing weight, loss of memory, low energy, low stamina, mood swings during menstruation cycles, clogged arteries, low sex drive, and joint pain are some of the main symptoms of low levels of the same.

Stress, autoimmune diseases like lupus and AIDS, hypoglycemia, menopause, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and cancers may accelerate loss of this hormone. It has been observed that men who die of heart disease generally have significantly less DHEA than others of the same age.

Similarly, people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and with many types of cancer generally have below-normal age-adjusted DHEA levels.

Girls with premature puberty are likely to have elevated levels of this hormone. People who take more than 25 mg of the same per day may have high DHEA. They should have their DHEA or DHEA-sulfate checked occasionally and consult their physician to avoid serious health hazards. It is believed that a 25 mg per day dosage is almost totally without the risk of side effects, and is therefore recommended for substantial increase in dehydroepiandrosterone, for most people.

High dosage of it in women increases androgen (male sex hormone) levels in women, leading to increased facial hair or increased acne. Modest increase in male hormone can help increase libido. In fact, many women opt for DHEA mainly for its testosterone-enhancing effects.

Extremely high dosage of DHEA may dangerously limit the heart rate response to exercise, in both men and women. So, the dangers should be taken into consideration while taking these supplements.

High DHEA may result in fatigue, weight gain, low blood pressure, acne, loss of libido, menstrual irregularities, infertility, and even miscarriages. High levels are usually found in people affected by post traumatic stress disorder. Following steps may help lower the levels.

• Stop taking any exogenous steroids or glucocorticoids. Such drugs are prescribed to people diagnosed with asthma and arthritis, or for immunosuppression following surgery. People taking these drugs, need to consult their doctor.

• Over-the-counter remedies like Relora, a stress-relieving supplement, approved by the Food and Drug Administration, can be taken, but one should monitor their DHEA levels and check whether it is really working or not.

• Consult an endocrinologist. He/she would check the levels of this hormone, and will find out the causes of the elevated levels, and then, prescribe the supplement or medication.

Though these supplements are available over the counter, it is always safe to consult the health care provider before opting for them. Wrong dosage or excessive consumption of these supplements may result in side effects.

Disclaimer: This Story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.