DHEA Need

Background: The Role of DHEA in Human Physiology

DHEA and its sulfated metabolite, DHEA-S, serve as prohormones for downstream sex steroids including testosterone, estradiol, and other androgens. DHEA also contributes to:

• Immune modulation
  
• Neuroprotection and mood regulation
  
• Bone maintenance
  
• Muscle metabolism
  
• Insulin sensitivity and glucose regulation
  
• Skin hydration and collagen synthesis 

Declining DHEA is a hallmark of aging and is linked to a spectrum of metabolic and degenerative conditions.

Signs and Symptoms of DHEA Deficiency

Symptoms associated with DHEA insufficiency may include:

• Persistent fatigue
  
• Reduced muscle mass and strength
  
• Osteopenia or osteoporosis
  
• Cognitive fog or poor memory
  
• Mood disturbances (depression, anxiety)
  
• Low libido
  
• Decreased immune resilience
  
• Skin dryness or thinning 

These non-specific signs highlight the need for biomarker testing to distinguish hormonal causes from other conditions.

Diagnostic Evaluation and Biomarkers

Functional evaluation incorporates:

1. DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate):

• • Gold-standard marker due to stability
    
  • Must be interpreted age- and sex-specifically
    

2. Salivary Hormone Panels:

• • Useful for cortisol:DHEA ratio assessment
    
  • Maps circadian patterns in adrenal output
    

3. Supporting Labs (context dependent):

• • Total and Free Testosterone
    
  • Estradiol
    
  • Vitamin D
    
  • CRP (inflammation marker) 

Together, these biomarkers allow for a comprehensive view of endocrine and metabolic health.

Causes of DHEA Deficiency

Key contributors to low DHEA include:

• Physiological Aging: Steady decline beginning in the 30s.
  
• Adrenal Insufficiency: Impaired cortisol and DHEA synthesis.
  
• Chronic Stress and HPA Axis Dysfunction: High cortisol often paired with low DHEA.
  
• Medications: Glucocorticoids, statins, SSRIs.
  
• Surgical Adrenal Damage: Following adrenalectomy or radiation.
  
• Genetic Disorders: Rare enzyme deficiencies affecting steroidogenesis.

   

Identifying root causes enables more precise therapeutic targeting.

Conditions Associated with DHEA Deficiency

Low DHEA levels are linked to several clinical conditions:

• Cardiovascular disease
  
• Osteoporosis
  
• Cognitive decline and psychiatric disorders
  
• Metabolic syndrome
  
• Immune dysfunction and autoimmune diseases

   

Addressing DHEA levels can support broad systemic health outcomes.

Interfering Factors and Interpretation Considerations

Key influences on DHEA levels include:

• Inflammatory or infectious states
  
• Obesity-related hormone suppression
  
• Liver disease impacting hormone clearance
  
• Medications such as corticosteroids, ketoconazole, and metformin

   

Clinical correlation with symptoms and comorbidities remains crucial in interpretation.

Functional Medicine Approach to DHEA Optimization at Intercoastal Health

Our method involves:

1. Lifestyle Optimization:

• • Stress management through HRV, mindfulness, and breathwork
  • Resistance and aerobic exercise
  • Sleep enhancement protocols

2. Nutritional Strategies:

• • Whole foods, B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids
  • Adaptogenic herbs like rhodiola and ashwagandha

3. DHEA Supplementation (if clinically indicated):

• • Physiologic-dose DHEA, sublingual or oral
  • Close monitoring for androgenic side effects

4. Monitoring and Reassessment:

• • Retesting of DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol, and cortisol at 8–12 week intervals
  • Dynamic plan adjustment based on biomarkers and symptoms

Conclusion

DHEA plays a foundational role in hormone synthesis, immune balance, mood regulation, and metabolic function. Its gradual decline with age can contribute to fatigue, bone loss, cognitive decline, and systemic dysfunction—yet it is often overlooked in routine medical evaluations.

In conclusion, a comprehensive evaluation by a functional medicine telehealth provider in Florida facilitates identification of cellular-level and molecular imbalances underlying DHEA insufficiency. By integrating evidence-based therapies with longevity medicine and peptide therapy services—enhancing adrenal, immune, and metabolic resilience—we offer patients a regenerative, preventive framework for optimizing vitality and aging outcomes. Call 904-799-2531 or schedule online to request your personalized hormonal health evaluation.

Further Reading

• DHEA and Aging: Implications for Endocrine and Metabolic Health
  
• DHEA Supplementation and Cognitive Function in Aging Adults
  
• Relationship Between DHEA-S Levels and Cardiovascular Risk
  
• Adrenal Hormones and Immune Function: Focus on DHEA
  
• Functional Roles of DHEA in Bone Metabolism