DHEA

What is DHEA?

DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is an important hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Often called the "youth hormone," DHEA peaks around age 25 and then declines with age.

What does DHEA do?

• DHEA is a precursor to male and female sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen. It plays a role in:
  
  
  • Immune system function
  
  
  • Metabolism
  
  
  • Cognitive function
  
  
  • Libido
  
  
  • Bone and muscle health
  
  


• Some people take DHEA supplements to try to slow aging or improve wellbeing, but the benefits are inconclusive.

What DHEA levels are normal?

• DHEA levels vary by age and sex. Normal ranges are:
  
  
  • Ages 19-49:
    
    
    • Men - 130-620 μg/dL
    
    
    • Women - 65-380 μg/dL
    
    
  
  
  • Ages 50-119:
    
    
    • Men - 70-310 μg/dL
    
    
    • Women - 32-240 μg/dL
    
    
  
  


• Levels outside these ranges may indicate a health condition needing treatment.

Should I get my DHEA levels tested?

Testing DHEA levels makes sense if you have symptoms of adrenal disorders like Addison's disease or Cushing's syndrome. DHEA tests also help evaluate infertility, erectile dysfunction, and altered immune function.

The experts at Renew Hormone Institute provide complete hormone testing panels to assess DHEA along with other hormones influencing health and vitality. Managing hormones is complicated - let our specialists design a personalized treatment plan for your needs.

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