What Are the Symptoms of Low DHEA?
DHEA is a potent hormone. Produced by the adrenal glands, it influences everything from mood to energy, to sex drive. It's one of the most abundant steroid hormones in the human body and acts as a key precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen, helping to regulate their production and ensure your hormones are balanced. This means that if your DHEA becomes low, you are going to notice it. Age, stress, health conditions, and even certain medications can all interfere with your DHEA levels, and you may start to notice a range of unwanted symptoms. So, what exactly are the symptoms of low DHEA, and what can you do to combat it? Let’s find out.
DHEA peaks in early adulthood, and then slowly starts to decline as we age. DHEA works as the building block for other important hormones. Without the correct levels of DHEA, your hormones become imbalanced, and you may start to experience a range of different symptoms.
Common Symptoms of Low DHEA
Fatigue and low energy - DHEA supports adrenal function and energy metabolism, so low levels can leave you feeling chronically tired or sluggish, even after a full night's sleep.
Mood changes - DHEA plays a role in regulating mood, so low levels can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, or irritability.
Low libido - Not feeling in the mood lately? As a precursor to testosterone and oestrogen, low DHEA can significantly affect your sex drive.
Loss of strength and muscle mass - If you are struggling to gain muscle at the gym or finding your usual workout routine more of a challenge, low DHEA could be why, as a deficiency can lead to decreased strength and muscle loss over time.
Aching joints - Low DHEA can cause inflammation and joint pain, making physical activity more difficult and uncomfortable.
Low immune function - Does it seem like you are constantly getting sick? DHEA supports a healthy immune system, and low levels will make you more susceptible to infections, colds, and viruses.
Memory loss - DHEA has been linked to improved cognitive function, whereas lower levels are associated with forgetfulness, brain fog, and difficulty concentrating.
Unexplained weight gain - Hormonal imbalance caused by low DHEA can slow your metabolism and increase the amount of fat you store, especially around the middle.
Irregular periods - Women with low DHEA may experience irregular menstrual cycles due to the disruption of hormone production needed for regular ovulation including oestrogen and progesterone.
Erectile dysfunction - For men DHEA is essential for producing testosterone, so a drop can impact sexual performance and arousal.
Because DHEA works as the foundation for other hormones, when it is low, it has a domino effect and causes your overall hormone health to take a nose dive. That’s why it’s so important to ensure that your levels are healthy.
Now we have explained the symptoms to look out for, let's take a closer look at what actually causes DHEA deficiency. Like with all hormone imbalances, they are complicated, and the reason for being low in DHEA could have a number of causes, including genetic, health, and lifestyle factors. But here are common reasons that may be causing your DHEA levels to take a tumble.
What Causes Low Levels of DHEA?
Chronic stress - Stress isn’t just mentally exhausting, it seriously drains your adrenal glands too, reducing the amount of DHEA you produce.
Ageing - As we get older, it is not just the grey hair we have to contend with, our body naturally produces less DHEA, which can contribute to many of the age-related hormonal changes. That’s why many women going through menopause and men experiencing andropause take DHEA supplements to manage their symptoms.
Low vitamin D - Vitamin D supports many hormonal processes. Low levels can negatively impact adrenal function and stunt DHEA production. So, remember to soak up the sunshine, safely of course.
Blood sugar imbalances - Unstable blood sugar levels can disrupt your hormone production, including your DHEA.
Medications- Certain medications, such as corticosteroids and antidepressants can interfere with your DHEA and cause it to drop.
Adrenal disorders - Conditions that affect the adrenal glands, like Addison’s disease or adrenal fatigue, can significantly reduce your DHEA production.
How Can You Boost Your DHEA Levels?
DHEA levels can be improved greatly by taking supplements and making changes to your lifestyle. Ensuring you get adequate sleep, exercise, and eat a balanced diet will all help to keep your levels in check, along with many of your other hormones. Lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains are all foods that will give you that extra DHEA boost. So, remember to lead an active lifestyle, eat healthy, and manage your stress levels.
DHEA Supplements
For those who are experiencing symptoms of low DHEA, one of the best ways to get back to feeling like yourself is by taking DHEA supplements. These types of supplements are used by thousands of men and women, helping them to restore balance to their bodies and get rid of their unwanted symptoms.
At Hormones + You, we provide smart hormone solutions that are developed by a team of expert doctors and pharmacists. Our DHEA capsules are made for both men and women who are struggling with low DHEA and want to heal their hormones, and restore their energy and wellbeing.
DHEA capsules are a safe and effective treatment for hormone imbalances and can help in many different areas, from mood to energy to libido. But quality, of course, matters. That’s why our capsules are made from only the highest quality ingredients.
While you can buy DHEA supplements online without a prescription, remember that in the UK, DHEA is a prescription medication. So many online supplements are not regulated, and therefore their safety and efficacy cannot be assured.
With Hormones + You, our pharmaceutical grade DHEA capsules are made from GMP-certified ingredients, with a dosage you can trust.
If you are experiencing symptoms of low DHEA, then start an online consultation now and get your personalised treatment delivered to your door.
