🔻 Low DHEA (Deficiency)
Occurs due to aging, adrenal dysfunction, chronic illness, or stress.
1. Adrenal Insufficiency / Addison’s Disease
- One of the hallmark features is low DHEA.
- Symptoms: Fatigue, low libido, depression, salt cravings, muscle weakness.
2. Aging-Related Decline
- DHEA peaks in your 20s, drops steadily after 30–35.
- Associated with:
- Fatigue
- Decreased muscle mass
- Loss of libido
- Osteopenia/osteoporosis
- Cognitive decline
3. Autoimmune Diseases
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) often shows low DHEA.
- Some studies suggest DHEA supplements may reduce symptoms in SLE patients.
4. Depression and Mood Disorders
- Low levels have been linked to:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD)
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Poor stress resilience
5. Cognitive Dysfunction / Alzheimer’s Risk
- Lower DHEA may correlate with:
- Poor memory
- Decreased neuroplasticity
- Increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases
6. Low Libido and Sexual Dysfunction
- Especially in women, low DHEA contributes to:
- Decreased libido
- Vaginal dryness
- Reduced sexual satisfaction
🔺 High DHEA (Excess)
Usually due to:
- Adrenal tumors
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Stress or steroid supplementation
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Women with PCOS often have elevated DHEA-S (sulfated form).
- Leads to:
- Hirsutism
- Acne
- Irregular cycles
- Infertility
2. Adrenal Hyperplasia or Tumors
- Overproduction of DHEA/DHEA-S.
- Can cause:
- Virilization in women
- Early puberty in boys
3. Hormone-Sensitive Cancers (theoretical concern)
- Excessive DHEA supplementation may influence risk of:
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer (More studies needed; data is inconclusive.)
4. Mood Disturbances & Mania (rare)
- Very high levels may contribute to anxiety, irritability, or mania.
🧠Neuro and Cognitive Links
- Both low and high levels may affect mood and cognition — the right balance is key.