DHEA

DHEA in Women

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol and produced by the adrenal glands in women. DHEA is a precursor to female sex hormones estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. It is often called the “mother hormone” because it is the source that fuels the body’s metabolic pathway.

Like most hormones, women have optimal DHEA levels in their 20s. After that, DHEA levels slowly decline with aging. There is an 80% decline in DHEA by the age of 70. Age-related decline of DHEA is inevitable, but the decline in DHEA associated with chronic stress and adrenal fatigue is not. Women who are chronically stressed exhaust their adrenal glands, which results in low cortisol and low DHEA levels. Prevention and/or treatment of adrenal fatigue will prevent this.

Benefits of DHEA Therapy for Women

Several studies have found that DHEA therapy may help in many circumstances.

Improves quality of life

• Improves energy levels and decreases fatigue
• Improves body composition like muscle tone, strength and endurance and Decreases body fat
• Improves mood and may eliminate depressed mood
• Improves general sense of well-being
• Improves brain function like Improves memory and Improves concentration
• Improves sleep
• Decreases and may eliminate joint soreness

Health Benefits of DHEA Therapy for Women

• Improves blood glucose levels, which decreases the risk of developing diabetes and may reverse diabetes
• Improves cholesterol levels
• Reduces body fat and decreases the risk of developing obesity (especially abdominal fat)
• Improves bone strength like Decreases the risk of developing osteoporosis and Decreases the risk of hip fractures and other broken bones
• Improves immune system function
• Improves the body’s ability to handle stress
• Stops the health-damaging effects that stress can have on the body

Low DHEA Symptoms Female

Symptoms of low levels of DHEA may include the following signs