Why does age seem to throw curveballs at your mood, energy levels, and overall zest for life? It’s annoying! However, we might have found one of the culprits – and that would be low DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone, to give it its full name!). So let’s take a closer look at the benefits of a DHEA supplement, including:
- what DHEA is
- what happens when we have low DHEA levels
- the transformative benefits of a DHEA supplement
What is DHEA?
DHEA is a versatile hormone – a Swiss Army knife with multiple functions. The adrenal glands generate it, and it plays a central role in producing male and female sex hormones – testosterone and estrogen. It tends to peak at age 25 and then reduce as you get older
This means shifting DHEA hormone levels can influence your mood, bone density, and energy levels – among other hormonal functions.
What Happens When You Have Low DHEA Levels?
Low DHEA Levels: Warning Signs and Testing
Low DHEA levels may manifest in various symptoms you might start noticing or feeling the effects of in other ways. These include:
- erectile dysfunction
- vaginal tissue thinning
- reduced libido
- loss of bone density
- cognitive decline
- depression
- memory loss
- heightened stress levels
Obviously, you’ll want to be forewarned about some of these issues. So, how can you recognize a potential decline in your DHEA levels? We suggest you keep an eye out for these subtle warning signs:
- dizziness
- unexplained weight loss
- developing salt cravings
- depression
- memory becoming poorer
- increased stress levels affecting your mood and how you behave
If you notice any of these and have some concerns, there is a reliable test. One method to assess your DHEA levels is a DHEA sulfate test (DHEAS). Your medical practitioner can take a standard blood sample to test this. The DHEAS is mainly used to:
- see if your adrenal glands are working well,
- diagnose adrenal gland tumors, and
- diagnose testicle or ovary disorders.
Understanding the Causes of Low DHEA Levels
Several factors can contribute to low DHEA levels in your body – and you’ll notice from this list there are many you should not feel responsible for or guilty about, and a couple that you can help!
- Aging: DHEA production naturally declines with age, with the highest levels typically observed in young adults.
- Prolonged or chronic stress can increase cortisol production, which suppresses your production of DHEA.
- Adrenal insufficiency can also result in reduced DHEA production.
- Hormonal imbalance in your other hormones, such as estrogen and testosterone. This also impacts your DHEA levels.
- Medications, such as corticosteroids or opioids, may interfere with your DHEA production.
- Poor diet, particularly if it’s deficient of essential nutrients involved in hormone production, can contribute to low DHEA levels.
- Chronic Illness and autoimmune disorders may affect your body’s ability to produce DHEA.
Did you spot the two you might be able to affect positively? Stress and diet are always top hits to consider when you want to improve your health!
Benefits of Taking a DHEA Supplement
Now that we know how important DHEA is and what happens if you have too little, let’s explore ways to bring things back into balance. We’ll focus on how taking a DHEA supplement can be a game changer in promoting good health.
These are the benefits you can expect.
Promoting Hormonal Balance
Because DHEA acts as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone and regulates hormonal balance, taking supplements to restore low DHEA ensures you have healthy levels of testosterone, progesterone, estrone, and estradiol.
Helping Adrenal Insufficiency
Introducing a DHEA supplement could enhance your wellbeing if you’re grappling with adrenal insufficiency. Why?
Adrenal insufficiency occurs when your adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones. Since they produce cortisol, aldosterone, and most of your DHEA, a DHEA supplement offers you a pathway to improving your quality of life.
Mood Regulation
A DHEA supplement does not only help restore hormone levels. It can easily cross the blood-brain barrier and support brain function. By increasing the level of β-endorphins, it can contribute to you having a better mood and more positive outlook.
Bone Health
DHEA supplementation isn’t just a mood lifter; it’s a guardian of bone health. It enhances bone turnover, diminishes osteoclast activity in older women (that’s the process of your body breaking bone down to build it up again) – and introduces a positive rhythm to markers of bone health. By boosting insulin-like growth factor levels, DHEA acts as a precursor, fostering healthy bone formation.
Inflammatory Balance
A DHEA supplement can significantly improve your gastrointestinal health by inhibiting the activation of inflammatory compounds. This, in turn, improves your wellbeing as inflammation is at the bottom of so many unwanted conditions.
Aging
Research hints at DHEA’s role in sculpting a journey of graceful aging. Correlations between higher DHEA levels and better functioning in older men signify its potential as a companion in the aging process. Beyond bone health, it also lends support to libido and skin health.
Exercise Performance
Regular exercise is a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle, as we often repeat! DHEA may enhance your exercise performance. A DHEA supplement may improve muscle strength, endurance, and overall physical performance by supporting energy metabolism and muscle function.
Cognitive Function
As you age, maintaining your cognitive function becomes increasingly important. Incorporating a DHEA supplement may potentially boost this – and your memory.
Heart Health
DHEA may contribute to cardiovascular health. Research suggests a potential link between DHEA levels and factors such as cholesterol levels and blood vessel function. And a healthy heart is a prerequisite for healthy aging.
Skin Health
Your skin is a visible reflection of your overall wellbeing, and DHEA may benefit your skin health. You may have seen it listed in some skincare products. A DHEA supplement could play a role in maintaining your skin’s elasticity, collagen production, and hydration.
As we explore the potential benefits of DHEA, its impact on skin health adds an intriguing dimension, making it a subject of interest for you if you’re looking to support healthy and vibrant skin.
Integrating DHEA and BHRT for Optimal Health
It’s common to integrate DHEA supplements with bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) to provide you with comprehensive hormone support.
This combined therapy can:
- Support the production of these hormones in your body.
- Help alleviate symptoms like reduced libido, bone loss, cognitive decline, and hormonal imbalance.
- Maintain the delicate equilibrium between cortisol and DHEA.
- Regulate your mood.
- Support your brain function.
- Have a positive impact on your bone health.
Elevate Your Wellbeing with DHEA at Evexias Denver
If you’re embarking on a personalized journey toward hormonal balance and overall wellbeing, why not consider taking a DHEA supplement?
At Evexias Denver, your wellness is our passion. We can show you the exact steps that have worked for thousands of our patients to restore energy, sleep, sexual vitality, and many other troublesome issues.
Let’s work together to unlock the doors to a healthier, more vibrant you. Contact us today and let’s talk!