DHEA is a key component in hormonal balance and feeling centered and clear-headed.

Consequently, low levels of DHEA can present as general feeling of malaise, extreme fatigue, lowered immunity, and number of other symptoms.

That being said, it’s important to understand the role of DHEA for women and how it relates to adrenal function and overall well-being.

Here’s what you need to know about hormonal imbalance caused by adrenal fatigue.

What Is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly referred to as DHEA, is a natural steroid made from cholesterol and secreted by adrenal glands. It’s also a precursor for women’s sex hormones, including estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, and is known as a feel-good hormone.

Additionally, DHEA supplements have been used to treat a variety of ailments including: Muscle loss, weight loss, osteoporosis, depression, and menopause.

What Is the Connection Between DHEA for Women and Adrenal Glands?

In addition to DHEA, adrenal glands are also responsible for secreting stress hormones and cortisol. That being said, when a woman is under chronic personal or professional pressure, adrenal glands are forced to respond by pumping out high levels of stress hormones and cortisol.

As a result, they have fewer resources to allocate to DHEA production, which can ultimately disrupt hormonal balance.

What Are the Symptoms of Low DHEA Levels and Adrenal Imbalance?

DHEA in women plays a critical role in producing adequate amounts of the right hormones to maintain homeostasis and harmony within the body.

When a person experiences adrenal exhaustion and decreased DHEA, she can present with extreme fatigue, decrease in muscle mass, decrease in bone density, depression, joint pain, loss of libido, and lowered immunity.

Supplemental DHEA for Women

The first step to addressing low levels of DHEA and adrenal fatigue is to seek attention from a qualified physician. He will assess your symptoms and perform the appropriate testing (saliva adrenal profiles and adrenal panel blood testing) and, if indicated, will prescribe pharmaceutical-grade DHEA supplementation as well as lifestyle modifications and nutritional support.

To learn more about DHEA for women, please call The Menopause Center in Tysons, VA today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with Dr. Melinda Hall.