DHEA - Balance Hormone Institute

What is DHEA?

DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone that is produced naturally in the adrenal glands and serves several vital functions in the body.

Some key facts about DHEA:

• It is considered both a "male" and "female" sex hormone as it is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen.
• DHEA peaks around age 25 and then begins to steadily decline with age. By age 75-80, DHEA levels are only about 20% of what they were at their peak.
• Supplementing with DHEA later in life may help restore more youthful DHEA concentrations in the body.

Why does DHEA decline with age?

As we get older, our bodies slowly produce less and less DHEA. This age-related decline occurs for several reasons:

• The adrenal glands become less efficient at producing hormones like DHEA.
• Stress and unhealthy lifestyle factors can deplete DHEA over time.
• DHEA gets used up faster when trying to balance declining levels of other key hormones.

The ongoing depletion of DHEA is thought to negatively impact energy, mood, metabolism, immune function, and more as part of general aging.

Benefits of Maintaining Healthy DHEA Levels

• Supports balanced mood and sense of well-being
• Helps maintain bone density as estrogen/testosterone precursors
• Promotes healthy metabolism and weight management
• Supports immune function and resistance to illness
• Contributes to improved energy, motivation and libido

As you can see, maintaining healthy DHEA levels as you age can offer widespread benefits related to graceful aging and continued vitality.

If your DHEA levels are declining and contributing to unwanted effects, like low energy or decreased muscle mass, consider speaking to your doctor or a hormone specialist about DHEA supplementation.

At Balance Hormone Institute, we specialize in optimizing hormones like DHEA to help both men and women enjoy sustained health, wellness and quality of life. Our integrative providers offer cutting-edge testing, personalized treatment plans, and complimentary wellness advisers to support any hormonal health goals. Schedule a consultation today to learn more!