DHEA, along with its sulfated metabolite DHEA-S, is not only the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in the bloodstream, it is often referred to as the “master” or “parent” hormone. This is because DHEA serves as the precursor to certain hormones like the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen.

Acting as a precursor to sex hormones isn’t the only role of DHEA and DHEA-S. These powerful hormones have been linked to many different body systems including the brain, the immune response, and even lung function.

For example, research shows that DHEA and DHEA-S interacts with receptors in the brain, like the GABA receptor, and abnormal levels of DHEA/DHEA-S have been linked to neuropsychiatrist disorders like schizophrenia and depression [1].

In fact abnormal levels of DHEA and DHEA-S have been linked to many different disorders. Abnormally high DHEA and DHEA-S levels in women have been linked to excess body hair, no menstrual period, lots of acne, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). While low levels have been linked to lowered sex drive, diabetes, and even dementia [2].

Unhealthy levels of DHEA and DHEA-S have even been linked to lowered lung function in women [3]. Clearly, DHEA and DHEA-S are important hormones for overall health. While DHEA-S is more abundant than DHEA, with more than 90% of the hormone in this form, testing DHEA has unique benefits.

One of the unique benefits in testing DHEA comes from monitoring its diurnal rhythm. DHEA, unlike DHEA-S, shows a diurnal rhythm or pattern. This means that DHEA levels usually fluctuate throughout the day with DHEA levels being highest upon waking and lowest at bedtime [4].

Lower DHEA levels in the morning could correspond with the brain fog, fatigue, or confusion some experience upon waking. While higher DHEA levels in the evening or around bedtime could be a contributing factor to the restlessness and irritability that many people struggle with before bed.

A DHEA-S reading, which remains stable throughout the day, wouldn’t give any indications as to why someone would be experiencing the above symptoms.

Since DHEA is also made by the ovaries and testes and only metabolized into DHEA-S by the liver, testing DHEA can give insight into the function of these gonads. Low DHEA levels could be indicative of an issue with the gonads. Testing DHEA-S wouldn’t give an indication of any gonadal dysfunction since DHEA-S is entirely produced by the adrenal cortex.

Another benefit of testing DHEA, instead of only testing DHEA-S, is due to the fact the DHEA is synthesized directly in the brain whereas DHEA-S is not. Abnormal DHEA levels have been linked with age related cognitive decline [5].

Clearly, testing DHEA gives insight into many different body systems.

DHEA levels peak between the ages of 20 and 30 and then began to decline steadily at a rate of 5% a year [6]. Those over the age of 30 with symptoms of abnormal DHEA levels should speak with their healthcare provider about DHEA testing.

AYUMETRIX is at the forefront of intelligent and innovative lab testing that offers easy sample collection for DHEA testing.

With breakthrough technology, AYUMETRIX offers convenient saliva collection DHEA testing kits. With no need for a finger prick or a blood draw, AYUMETRIX makes monitoring DHEA levels easy, highly accessible, and painless. With reliable in home collection kits, salivary DHEA specimens can be mailed back to the lab for timely processing.

Since DHEA levels continue to steadily decline after age 30, monitoring DHEA levels with comprehensive testing is a great way to promote optimal health and well-being.

For more information about the comprehensive role of DHEA and DHEA-S in the body, the, and how abnormal DHEA levels can negatively affect overall health and well-being please visit ayumetrix.com or contact info@ayumetrix.com

Candace Mathers, ND

References 1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30557606/ 2. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/aging-dhea-test 3. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2589537020301334 4. https://europepmc.org/article/MED/17594144 5. https://www.intechopen.com/books/sex-hormones-in-neurodegenerative-processes-and-diseases/dehydroepiandrosterone-dhea-and-dhea-sulfate-roles-in-brain-function-and-disease 6. https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/dhea-and-health-more-questions-than-answers#:~:text=In%20both%20men%20and%20women,very%20low%2C%20nearly%20negligible%20levels.