DHEA Deficiency Symptoms

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced in human body. Primarily made in the adrenal glands, dhea is also produced in very small amounts in the ovaries, testes and brain. This hormone is said to be the precursor of sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen. However, there is no scientific evidence to prove the role of dhea in the production of sex hormones. It is believed that either dhea is transformed to sex hormones or is used by the human body to produce sex hormones. Whatever it may be, dhea is one of the essential hormones in the body and a rise or drop in the dhea levels are said to be associated with certain symptoms. Let us take a look at the possible dhea deficiency symptoms.

DHEA Deficiency

Now, you know that dhea is considered as a precursor to sex hormones. Normally, the levels of dhea in human body is found to be on its peak, during the early adulthood and is found to steadily decline with age. While, studies are still underway, regarding the age-linked dhea deficiency symptoms, some people develop this condition at a young age, due to adrenal insufficiency and other problems. As per some studies, dhea deficiency is found in people having type 2 diabetes, anorexia, severe kidney disease, etc. Even use of certain medications, like insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, etc. are linked to low dhea symptoms. Other medical conditions that are linked to dhea deficiency are erectile dysfunction, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus, schizophrenia, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc. Now, let us take a look at the possible dhea deficiency symptoms.

Symptoms of DHEA Deficiency

In short, it is suggested that dhea deficiency can be either due to increasing age or due to some other problems. This condition is said to cause some dhea deficiency symptoms, that are enlisted below.

• Depression
• Loss of libido, especially, in women
• Memory problems
• Joint pain
• Extreme fatigue
• Weakened immune system
• Increased sensitivity to noise
• Loss of muscle and bone mass
• Dry eyes, skin and hair
• Hair loss (including axial and pubic ones)
• Anxiety
• Erectile dysfunction

As dhea deficiency is said to be a contributory factor for various medical conditions, like, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, the symptoms of low dhea has to be diagnosed and remedied.

How is DHEA Deficiency Treated

Low level of dhea is diagnosed with relevant blood tests. If the test results show a dhea level of less than 180 nanograms per deciliter in male and 130 nanograms per deciliter in female, then the person is said to have dhea deficiency. DHEA deficiency symptoms are often treated with dhea supplements, that too for a stipulated period. It is very important to stick to the instructions of the doctor regarding dhea dosage and use. Because, overuse of these supplements are also said to cause liver problems, certain types of cancer, menstrual problems, hypertension, abnormal growth of body hair, etc. Another important point is that you may get dhea supplements from drug stores, in the form of capsules, tablets, chewing gum, topical creams, etc. but, don't use them without consulting a doctor. Drug interactions are also possible with these supplements. Even wild yam and soy products are said to contain dhea, but, humans cannot raise their dhea levels by consuming these things.

Now, you know more about low dhea: causes and symptoms. Nowadays, dhea supplements are used for various purposes, like, for improving memory, for countering the signs of aging, for erectile dysfunction, for boosting the immune system, for alleviating menopause symptoms, for easing depression and fatigue, etc. While, these supplements were used by athletes for increased stamina, authorities have banned such use. But, you must use it only as per the instructions of the doctor, after diagnosing your dhea deficiency symptoms. One of the best methods to increase dhea naturally, is regular exercise, along with calorie restriction, proper stress management, etc.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice. Visiting your physician is the safest way to diagnose and treat any health condition.