What Is The Dhea Range In Females?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, is produced by your adrenal glands and is a hormone precursor to testosterone in men and estrogen in women. DHEA increases in your body until the age of 20. After that, DHEA decreases as much as 90 percent by the time you reach 70 years of age. This dramatic decline in DHEA has prompted the proposal that DHEA may be the reason you age, although there is no scientific evidence as of the time of publication.

DHEA Ranges in Females

Between the ages of 20 years and 30 years, a female's DHEA levels will be at their highest, around 30 mg. From then until the age of 70, DHEA levels may fall 10 percent to 20 percent, to less than 6 mg. Supplements of DHEA are available as tablets, capsules or injections. Doses are commonly between 24 mg to 200 mg, with the average around 50 mg. A topical cream is also available. Because your body naturally produces DHEA in the morning, it is suggested that you take your supplements in the morning as well. Before using DHEA, consult with your health care provider.

Who is at Risk of Low DHEA?

Women at risk of low DHEA levels are naturally those over 30 years of age to postmenopausal. Other high-risk groups that may experience low levels of DHEA include females who are anorexic, are at end-stage kidney disease, have diabetes type 2, are critically ill, have adrenal insufficiency or have AIDS. Low levels may also be found in individuals taking opiates, insulin and corticosteroids. A June 2010 paper in "Maturitas" stated that a review of DHEA studies does not support a benefit of oral DHEA therapy, especially in postmenopausal women.

Proposed Uses for DHEA

DHEA may be of use in treating depression, lupus and adrenal insufficiency, as well as inducing labor, according to MayoClinic.com, which states that sufficient evidence is available. Because DHEA buffers the stress responses of the body, it may be effective in relieving illnesses, diseases and conditions brought about by years of stress. This may include atherosclerosis, viral infections, heart disease, stroke, cancer, mental functioning, increased fat accumulation and a decreased libido.

Side Effects of DHEA Supplements

High doses of DHEA that exceed more than 100 mg per day may cause women to develop deepened voices, facial hair, baldness and acne. There is an increased risk of breast cancer, ovarian cancer, liver disease and heart disease, especially if there is a family history. Other side effects may include headaches, nasal congestion, irregular heartbeats, fatigue, blood clots, abnormal periods, emotional instability, insomnia, agitation, irritability, mania, nervousness and psychosis.