Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an endogenous steroid hormone synthesized in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. DHEA is a precursor to both androgens and estrogens and plays a critical role in various physiological processes, including immune function, energy metabolism, and mood regulation. DHEA levels decline with age, and low DHEA levels have been associated with several health conditions. In this article, we will discuss the impact of high and low DHEA levels in male and female patients.
Impact of Low DHEA Levels in Females
Low levels of DHEA have been associated with several health conditions in females. A study conducted by Labrie et al. found that women with low levels of DHEA had a higher risk of developing breast cancer (Labrie et al., 2013). Another study found that low levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of depression in postmenopausal women (Hartvig et al., 1999). Low DHEA levels have also been associated with decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis (Barrett-Connor et al., 1999).
DHEA supplementation has been shown to improve some of these conditions. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that DHEA supplementation improved bone density in postmenopausal women (Labrie et al., 2002). Another randomized controlled trial found that DHEA supplementation improved sexual function in postmenopausal women (Genazzani et al., 2003).
Impact of High DHEA Levels in Females
High levels of DHEA have also been associated with several health conditions in females. A study conducted by Geller et al. found that women with high levels of DHEA had an increased risk of developing breast cancer (Geller et al., 1998). Another study found that high levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (Lundberg et al., 2017). High levels of DHEA have also been associated with hirsutism, acne, and hair loss (Azziz et al., 1994).
Impact of Low DHEA Levels in Males
Low levels of DHEA have been associated with several health conditions in males. A study conducted by Feldman et al. found that men with low levels of DHEA had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Feldman et al., 2002). Another study found that low levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of depression in men (Seidman et al., 2003). Low DHEA levels have also been associated with decreased bone density and an increased risk of osteoporosis (Barrett-Connor et al., 1999).
DHEA supplementation has been shown to improve some of these conditions. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found that DHEA supplementation improved bone density in older men (von Mühlen et al., 2006). Another randomized controlled trial found that DHEA supplementation improved erectile function in men with erectile dysfunction (Reiter et al., 1999).
Impact of High DHEA Levels in Males
High levels of DHEA have also been associated with several health conditions in males. A study conducted by Zumoff et al. found that men with high levels of DHEA had an increased risk of prostate cancer (Zumoff et al., 1990). Another study found that high levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of acne (Azziz et al., 1994). High levels of DHEA have also been associated with hirs
High levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in males have been associated with several health conditions. Here are some of the impacts of high DHEA levels in males:
- Increased risk of prostate cancer: Studies have suggested that high levels of DHEA in males may increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. A study conducted by Zumoff et al. found that men with high levels of DHEA had an increased risk of prostate cancer (Zumoff et al., 1990). Another study found that DHEA may increase the production of androgens, which are known to stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells (Molina et al., 2012).
- Acne: High levels of DHEA have also been associated with acne in males. A study conducted by Azziz et al. found that high levels of DHEA were associated with an increased risk of acne (Azziz et al., 1994). This is because DHEA is a precursor to androgens, which can increase the production of sebum, leading to acne.
- Hirsutism: High levels of DHEA have also been associated with hirsutism, a condition characterized by excess hair growth in males. A study conducted by Azziz et al. found that high levels of DHEA were associated with hirsutism in females (Azziz et al., 1994). However, studies in males are limited.
- Mood disorders: Some studies have suggested that high levels of DHEA in males may be associated with an increased risk of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This is because DHEA can be converted into both androgens and estrogens, which can affect the balance of these hormones in the brain, leading to mood changes (Maninger et al., 2009).
- Cardiovascular disease: High levels of DHEA have also been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in males. A study conducted by Feldman et al. found that men with high levels of DHEA had an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (Feldman et al., 2002). However, the mechanisms behind this association are not well understood.
Conclusion
In conclusion, high levels of DHEA in males have been associated with several health conditions, including an increased risk of prostate cancer, acne, hirsutism, mood disorders, and cardiovascular disease. However, more research is needed to fully understand the impacts of high DHEA levels in males and how to manage them effectively.
Don’t wait until it’s too late – take action now to protect your health. At HRT Doctors Group Clinic, our team of board-certified doctors specialize in helping patients regulate their hormone levels, so they can avoid the negative effects of high or low DHEA. Don’t let imbalanced hormones impact your quality of life – contact us today and let us help you feel your best!