DHEAS-associated diseases, depending on whether DHEAS levels are high or low:
⬆️ High DHEAS (Hyperandrogenism)
1. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
- Common in females with excess androgen levels, including DHEAS.
- Leads to irregular menstruation, acne, hirsutism, and infertility.
2. Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH)
- Genetic enzyme deficiencies (commonly 21-hydroxylase) cause excess DHEAS production.
- Symptoms include early puberty, virilization, and ambiguous genitalia in females.
3. Adrenal Tumors or Adenomas
- Can secrete excess DHEAS, causing masculinizing symptoms like deep voice, increased muscle mass, and body hair in females.
4. Cushing’s Syndrome (Adrenal Source)
- Some forms involve adrenal overactivity and elevated DHEAS, alongside high cortisol.
5. Premature Adrenarche
- Early rise in adrenal androgens (including DHEAS) leading to early development of pubic/axillary hair, body odor, and mild acne in children (before age 8 in girls, 9 in boys).
⬇️ Low DHEAS (Hypoandrogenism)
1. Adrenal Insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s Disease)
- The adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones, including DHEAS.
- Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and low libido.
2. Hypopituitarism
- Reduced stimulation of adrenal glands from ACTH deficiency can lead to low DHEAS.
- May cause low energy, reduced muscle mass, infertility, and depression.
3. Aging-Related Decline
- DHEAS levels naturally drop with age.
- Associated with decreased libido, weaker bones, muscle loss, and cognitive decline—though supplementation is controversial and not universally recommended.