Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

What is DHEA?

The adrenal glands, otherwise known as suprarenal glands, are two small glands located on top of each of your kidneys. These glands begin their formation at 6 weeks post fertilization, and weigh around 5g each. Every gland is made of two parts: the outer part is called the cortex and the inner part is the medulla.

The adrenal cortex produces three hormones that are essential for the proper functioning of your system. These are the mineralocorticoids, the glucocorticoids and the adrenal androgens. The first group of hormones include aldosterone that helps maintaining the body salt and water levels as well as regulating the blood pressure. The glucocorticoids include the cortisol hormone that is involved in regulating the metabolism, blood pressure, blood glucose levels, as well as the response to illness and stress.

The third group of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex are the adrenal androgens, which are the male sex hormones with the predominant ones being the dehydroepiandrosterone, otherwise known as DHEA, and the testosterone. These two play a major role in the early development of children’s male sex organs. They are also responsible for the growth of the female body hair during puberty. All these hormones, when secreted, they are released into the bloodstream to reach other organs enabling them to function properly.

The DHEA is a hormone that is produced by both men and women. When produced by the adrenal cortex, it helps the production of testosterone and estrogen. The levels of this hormone are at their peak during early adulthood and start falling slowly with age. After the age of 30 years, DHEA levels start decreasing. The levels can be even low if you have a health condition such as type-2 diabetes, adrenal deficiency, AIDS, kidney disease or anorexia nervosa. Since DHEA is responsible for sexual development, having a tumor or adrenal gland disorders can lead to high levels of this hormone, which leads to maturing sexually at an early age.

Why take the DHEA test?

Measuring DHEA levels is essential to determine if the adrenal glands are working properly. The test can be used to diagnose several health conditions like the polycystic ovarian syndrome and fertility problems. It can also explain why a person is having a lot of face and body hair growth; and, why women have irregular menstrual periods.

You need to take the test if you have symptoms of DHEA deficiency. These include feeling tired over a long period of time, not being to concentrate, being depressed, having sexual dysfunctions, developing heart disease, gaining weight and ending up with low bone density. Low DHEA levels may also be accompanied by a decreased muscle mass, vaginal dryness, low immunity, allergies, hypothyroidism, and lack of sexual drive. These symptoms are common to testosterone and estrogen deficiencies, which makes testing for DHEA essential to identify the true reason of these symptoms.

From another angle, high levels of testosterone in women, high levels of estrogen and high levels of DHEA seem to have the same symptoms. These include excess hair growth in women as well as male hair growth patterns, hair loss, developing aggressive behaviors, feeling highly irritable, having trouble sleeping as well as having acne and oily skin. Because all three hormones have the same symptoms, it is essential to test for DHEA to identify the true cause of these signs and address it properly.

What can cause the levels of DHEA to alter?

Certain medications can lead to lower levels of DHEA. These include insulin, birth control pills, opiates, corticosteroids and danazol. Following a very strict diet can also sabotage your DHEA levels. Taking DHEA supplements can also increase levels of your body’s DHEA. Women need to take the test a week apart from their menstruation as it tends to alter the body’s levels of DHEA.

What your DHEA test results mean?

This DHEA test measures the amount of DHEA in the blood. Normal values are highly linked to a person’s age. For example, women in their late adolescence have their reference levels set between 145 and 395 micrograms per deciliter. Those, who are in their 20’s, need to have their DHEA levels between 65 and 380 micrograms per deciliter. Since DHEA levels decrease after the age of 30, normal values for this age group are between 45 and 270 micrograms per deciliter. For anyone in his 40’s, normal DHEA values are between 32 and 240 micrograms per deciliter. Finally, when a person reaches the 70’s, DHEA levels are expected to drop by 80% when compared to values of young adults.

High DHEA levels can indicate serious problems such as polycystic ovary syndrome in women, high risk of breast cancer, adrenal gland tumor, overactive adrenal glands and crushing syndrome. It may be very tricky to directly link DHEA to these symptoms since it’s a precursor hormone. DHEA is a very interesting hormone that is forgotten.

Lower than normal levels of DHEA could be linked to damages to the adrenal glands, Addison’s disease, and hypopituitarism. Many, with low levels of DHEA, resort to taking DHEA supplements; however, these may have some serious side effects. You need to consult with your doctor before deciding on these pills. Natural ways to boost your DHEA levels, naturally, include meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, aerobic exercises, as well as taking Vitamin C, Zinc and Magnesium supplements.

Where can I get a DHEA test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Aug 30, 2019