DHEAs in Females


The Overlooked Hormone That Affects Everything from Mood to Metabolism

When it comes to women’s hormones, most people have heard of estrogen, progesterone, and maybe even testosterone. But there’s another key hormone that influences everything from your energy and mood to your libido, metabolism, and skin: DHEA.

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone made mostly by your adrenal glands (the little glands that sit on top of your kidneys). Your body uses DHEA to create other essential hormones—especially estrogen and testosterone. That means when your DHEA levels are too low, your whole hormonal system can be thrown off balance.

Why Is DHEA Important?

DHEA acts like the “raw material” your body uses to make other hormones. For women, that’s incredibly important, especially as we age. After your mid-20s, your DHEA levels slowly start to drop. By the time you're in your 40s or 50s, your DHEA may be less than half of what it was when you were younger.

Low DHEA can show up in many subtle ways: feeling burned out, losing your spark, noticing dry skin, hair loss, low libido, brain fog, or stubborn belly fat. It can also play a role in blood sugar problems, immune system weakness, and even early signs of aging.

That’s because DHEA isn’t just a hormone—it supports your brain, bones, mood, metabolism, skin, and sexual health all at once.

What Causes Low DHEA?

There are many reasons DHEA can drop. Some are natural, like aging and menopause. But others include chronic stress, poor sleep, overworking, under-eating, and even using steroid medications like prednisone or inhalers. Your adrenal glands may also become "tired" from long-term stress, reducing their ability to make DHEA. Nutritional deficiencies in key nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, and B5 can make things worse.

How Do You Know If You’re Low?

Women with low DHEA often feel physically and mentally drained. They might say they “don’t feel like themselves” anymore. You may experience:

  • Fatigue or low stamina
  • Low sex drive
  • Trouble concentrating or remembering things
  • Feeling anxious or down more often
  • Thinning hair, dry skin, or brittle nails
  • Poor sleep
  • Irregular or light periods
  • Weight gain, especially around the belly

Because DHEA helps make both estrogen and testosterone, low DHEA can also make other hormone imbalances worse—even if your ovaries are still functioning.

What Happens If DHEA Is Too High?

On the flip side, too much DHEA can also cause problems. In women, high levels can turn into too much testosterone. This might show up as:

  • Acne or oily skin
  • Facial or body hair growth
  • Mood swings or irritability
  • Deepening of the voice (rare)
  • Enlarged clitoris (very rare and usually at very high doses)

This is why it’s important to test your levels first and work with a provider before supplementing.

How Is DHEA Tested?

Doctors usually check DHEA using a blood test called DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S). This test helps assess how well your adrenal glands are functioning and whether your body is making enough of this hormone.

It’s a good idea to check DHEA along with other hormones like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol (stress hormone), and thyroid hormones to get the full picture.

Can DHEA Affect Fertility and Periods?

Yes! DHEA plays a big role in ovulation, especially as women approach their late 30s and 40s. Low levels can lead to fewer quality eggs, irregular periods, and trouble getting pregnant. Some fertility clinics actually use DHEA supplements to help improve egg quality in women with low ovarian reserve. On the other hand, too much DHEA (especially in PCOS) can disrupt the cycle and cause acne, hair growth, or missed periods.

Can DHEA Affect Mood and Brain Function?

Absolutely. DHEA is considered a “neurosteroid”, which means it has direct effects on the brain. It supports healthy neurotransmitters (like serotonin and dopamine), which impact mood, memory, and motivation. Studies show that low DHEA levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and even brain fog. In some women, restoring DHEA has helped improve clarity, motivation, and emotional resilience.

What About Cancer Risk?

This is where things get complex. Because DHEA turns into estrogen and testosterone, some people worry it could raise the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers. But the truth is not so simple. In many cases, low DHEA is actually associated with a higher risk of certain cancers, including colon and breast cancer, especially in postmenopausal women.

That said, if you’ve had a hormone-sensitive cancer or are at high risk, DHEA should only be used under close supervision. Balancing it with progesterone, testosterone, or using non-hormonal alternatives may be safer in some cases.

How Can You Raise DHEA Naturally?

If your levels are low, there are a few ways to help restore balance.

First, support your adrenal health. This means:

  • Prioritizing quality sleep
  • Managing stress with yoga, meditation, or time in nature
  • Eating a balanced diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats
  • Supplementing nutrients like vitamin C, magnesium, zinc, B5, and adaptogenic herbs (like ashwagandha or rhodiola)

Some women benefit from low-dose DHEA supplements (typically 5–15 mg/day). These are available over-the-counter, but it’s best to work with a practitioner and retest your levels every 2–3 months to avoid going too high.

There are also topical DHEA creams, which can be used locally for vaginal dryness or more systemic relief if absorbed.

Final Thoughts

DHEA is one of the most underrated hormones in women’s health. It quietly supports so many aspects of your well-being—your brain, your bones, your energy, your skin, your hormones, and even your sense of self.

If you’re feeling drained, foggy, or hormonally out of balance, checking your DHEA levels might be the missing piece. When guided by proper testing and thoughtful care, DHEA can be a powerful ally in helping women feel vibrant and strong—at any age.

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