DHEA is a hormone produced by your adrenal glands -- two small bean shaped organs that sit atop your kidneys. DHEA serves as a precursor to androgens, male sex hormones responsible for male masculine characteristics, and estrogens, female sex hormones responsible for the female reproductive cycle. According to the Mayo Clinic, DHEA levels peak in your 20s and decline steadily after age 30.
High Levels
Female DHEA levels range from 65 to 395 ug/dL from age 18 to 29. After age 30, your levels can decline to 32 to 270 ug/dL. If you are between ages 50 and 60, your levels may be between 13 and 200. Thereafter, they are generally below 100. Certain hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome -- a common hormone disorder characterized by small cysts on your ovaries -- can result from high DHEA levels.
Adrenal Dysfunction
Because your adrenal glands produce DHEA, irregular adrenal function can cause elevated DHEA levels. Governing the amount of DHEA your adrenal glands produce is your hypothalamus -- a pea-sized area of your brain that sends and receives signals and directs physiological actions. A tumor in that region can cause your adrenal glands to produce too much DHEA. A tumor on your adrenal glands can have the same effect.
Symptoms
Because DHEA is a precursor to male and female sex hormones that govern male and female characteristics, elevated DHEA levels can cause a number of physical changes. If you are a woman, you may experience facial hair growth, or a deepening of your voice due to excess testosterone in your system. Both men and women may experience acne, because of the hormonal imbalance.
Treatment
Your doctor can perform a blood test to determine your DHEA levels. After reading and explaining your test results, your physician will decide if you need treatment. Treatment aims at the underlying cause of your high DHEA levels. If adrenal tumors are the cause, your doctor may advise surgical removal.
Member Comments