DHEA

Testing DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) blood levels.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a natural steroid hormone, often commonly referred to as the hormone of youth. 

The hormone DHEA and the dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate formed from it (DHEA-S04) are found in both men and women They are produced from cholesterol by the adrenal cortex, and to a a small degree by the testes and ovaries. DHEA and DHEAS are the the most important hormones produced by the adrenal glands. The concentration of DHEA gradually increases from around age 10, reaching a peak between 25 and 30 years of age, and then slowly decreases with age.

DHEA is a precursor, that is, a substance that the body converts into active hormones: testosterone and estradiol. It is important to However, keep in mind that testosterone is produced mainly in the testes, while DHEA is produced in the adrenal glands and is an additional source In women, adrenal DHEA is the most important androgen, and during menopause it is essentially the only substrate for the synthesis of estrogen. 

DHEA deficiency is thought to affect decreased libido and potency, osteopenia, and decreased muscle mass and strength. It affects efficiency of the immune system and insulin resistance. It seems Thus, age-related  DHEA deficiency can be linked to the the aging process. However, there are still too few data to confirm. 

According to some studies, DHEA may benefit the overall physical and intellectual performance in the elderly, such as impaired mood and well-being, and osteoporosis.

Why is it a good idea to get a DHEA test ?

Excess and deficiency of the DHEA hormone can indicate not only the natural processes that occur in the body with age, but also also for various types of diseases that require treatment.

Testing DHEA allows, among other things, to check whether the proper functioning of the adrenal glands, as well as what is the source of the of the increased androgen production - adrenal, ovarian or testes. 

The test can be helpful, among other things, in diagnosing diseases, that are accompanied by high DHEA, namely:

• adrenal cortical hyperplasia
• adrenal cortical tumors
• adrenal neoplasms
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• precocious puberty in boys, before the age of 9 (lower voice, pubic hair, increased muscle mass, penile enlargement)
• precocious puberty in girls (when the mammary glands enlarge before the age of eight)
• virilization in women (lowered tone of voice, acne and clitoral enlargement, male pattern baldness)
• hirsutism in women (excessive hair in areas typically for men)
• causes of amenorrhea
• infertility
• when a female newborn has hermaphroditic genitalia

and auxiliary in the diagnosis of diseases associated with low DHEA levels, namely:

• diabetes;
• osteoporosis;
• dementia;
• erectile dysfunction;
• vaginal atrophy;
• reduced libido;

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