Anti-Aging Hormones
Once a popular body-building hormone, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is known for its anti-aging effects. DHEA can decline as early as the 30’s, and low levels can cause immune dysfunction, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, depression and many other problems. Sex drive can be affected and many men are faced with erectile problems.
Low DHEA can be a sign of other hormone deficiencies. Thyroid, testosterone and estrogen levels should be tested when low DHEA levels are suspected. DHEA is produced in the adrenal gland, and depressed levels can be associated with other adrenal dysfunctions, a common condition in our hectic society.
Melissa was one patient with problems related to low DHEA levels. When I first met her she was 34, newly married, and had just graduated from her master’s program with honors. She was so tired and “burnt” that her sex drive had diminished. She questioned if this was normal for her age.
I agreed with Melissa these symptoms were not “normal.” We talked candidly about her sexual history, stress, and lifestyle issues. She was a perfectionist and carried a fair amount of stress. She felt her parents didn’t approve of her field of study. Two of her grandparents had died recently, and she still grieved their loss. Melissa did not have an outlet for her stress, and she was too busy and tired to make the time.
Melissa’s story is unique, but not unusual. Fortunately, there were solutions for many of her problems. I chose to test Melissa’s adrenal function, hormones, and also did some nutritional testing. Not surprisingly, Melissa had what many call adrenal fatigue. She had low daily cortisol and low DHEA levels. But as is commonly seen, her low adrenal function had begun to affect her body in other ways. Her estrogen was normal, while her progesterone and testosterone were too low. Her thyroid testing was normal, but she had antibodies to her thyroid gland and she was low in amino acids and B vitamins.
I recommended a trial of DHEA, a B vitamin complex, and nutritional supplements. She agreed to see a therapist for supportive counseling, to help her cope with the stress.
DHEA has both benefits and risks. It can increase estrogen levels, which can cause pain and inflammation. It can also lower pain for many with autoimmune disorders. The differences have to do with the way we individually metabolize hormones. Since estrogen and testosterone can increase while taking DHEA, supplementation can cause problems if not well monitored. Women can develop sudden facial hair growth, a low voice, and over libidinous activity. And DHEA can increase estrogen in men – a big problem. Most providers who prescribe DHEA know to test, start low, re-test, and titrate as needed.
The first thing that Melissa noticed after starting my recommendations was the rapid return of her libido. Suddenly she felt good about her sex life. She started to feel more involved in her life, and gained some perspective about her self in her relationship. We continued to work on her GI function and balancing her other hormones. Periodic follow up testing indicated we were on the right and safe path.
It’s been a year an a half since I first met Melissa. She now feels completely well, like “a 36 year old should,” has reduced her DHEA dose, and will stop it soon. Melissa and her husband are thinking about having a baby in the next two years.
Supplementing with DHEA helped to give Melissa her life back. But because of its powerful effects, it should be used with caution. A thorough evaluation and close follow-up by provider knowledgeable in the use of DHEA, supplementation can be life-changing. If you are tired, feeling down, or suffering from some symptoms above, you might need to have your DHEA levels tested.
Tracey Lee, FNP-C