DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA-S (DHEA Sulfate) are hormones produced by your adrenal glands, small organs located just above your kidneys. These hormones are the building blocks for other important hormones in your body, including estrogen and testosterone. DHEA and DHEA-S are like the backstage crew in a theater production, working behind the scenes to ensure the stars (other hormones) can perform their roles effectively. They play a key role in a variety of bodily functions, including bone and muscle strength, mood regulation, energy levels, and immune function. In essence, DHEA and DHEA-S help keep your body's hormone production in harmony, contributing to your overall health and well-being.
If Your Levels Are High
High levels of DHEA and DHEA-S in your body could indicate a few things. These hormones are like the behind-the-scenes workers in your body, helping to produce other important hormones like estrogen and testosterone. They're crucial for things like maintaining your bone and muscle strength, regulating your mood, keeping your energy levels up, and supporting your immune system. If these levels are high, it could mean that your body is producing more of these hormones than it needs. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as stress, certain medications like corticosteroids or hormonal therapies, or health conditions like adrenal tumors or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It's like your body's hormone production is out of tune, which can disrupt the harmony of your overall health and well-being.
Symptoms of High Levels
Symptoms of high levels of DHEA and DHEA-S may not always be apparent. However, in some cases, individuals may experience symptoms such as acne, hair loss, weight gain, irregular periods in women, and increased facial hair in women.
If Your Levels are Low
Low levels of DHEA and DHEA-S could mean that your body isn't producing enough of these important hormones. These hormones are like the behind-the-scenes workers in your body, helping to make other hormones like estrogen and testosterone. They're important for things like keeping your bones and muscles strong, managing your mood, giving you energy, and helping your immune system work properly. If your body isn't making enough DHEA and DHEA-S, it could be due to a variety of reasons. For example, certain medications, like corticosteroids or insulin, can lower your levels. It could also be due to a condition like Addison's disease, which affects your adrenal glands, or hypopituitarism, which affects your pituitary gland. Both of these glands play a key role in hormone production. So, low levels of DHEA and DHEA-S could be a sign that these glands aren't working as well as they should be.
Symptoms of Low Levels
Symptoms of high levels of DHEA and DHEA-S could include acne, hair loss, weight gain, irregular menstrual cycles in women, and increased facial hair in women.