What is the DHEA hormone and how does it affect the general condition and reproductive system in women? What is the hormone DHEA, its role in the body and medical uses.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormonal substance belonging to the androgen group, i.e. steroid sex hormones of male nature. However, DHEA-S does not participate in sexual formation. The synthesis and secretion of this biologically active substance occurs in the adrenal glands (cortex), and it is classified as a ketosteroid. The adrenal cortex synthesizes most of the androgen present, about 95%. In women, DHEA-S is synthesized in small quantities by the ovaries, approximately 5%. The same amount can be secreted by the male genital organs - the testicles. The adrenal glands are small glands that are located near the kidneys and play a significant role in the production of biologically active substances of the steroid class. In addition to DHEA-S, this gland in women produces adrenaline and cortisol.

Hormone synthesis

The initial link in the production of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is cholesterol ester sulfate. Most of the male steroid hormone undergoes catabolism, and the rest, about 10%, is excreted through the urethra along with urine. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate circulates in the blood freely without binding to specific plasma proteins, so the level of proteins does not affect the concentration of the hormone present. However, this rule does not apply to blood serum - here hormonal molecules bind to the protein albumin circulating there.

The concentration of the presented biologically active substance in the blood indicates the level of androgen synthetic function of the adrenal glands. If the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate increases, this indicates increased production of androgens by the body. DHEA-S can be called a prohormone, and only in desulfurized form is this substance capable of being converted into active androgens: testosterone, dihydrotestosterone. In this case, the hormone is included in the process of male sexual formation.

Due to the fact that the source of the hormone is the adrenal cortex, and only a small part is produced in the gonads, this makes it easier to determine the source of hormonal synthesis and identify the localization of the pathological process in a given organ or system. For example, if the level is set high testosterone in women body during a laboratory study to determine the concentration of DHEA-S, then this may be evidence of pathology of the ovaries or adrenal glands. If we compare dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate with other hormonal substances, the level of this hormone does not depend on the time of day. During pregnancy, androgen concentrations drop. If the level of DHEA-S during pregnancy is higher than normal, this is an alarming factor and can lead to fetal death. The development of bone disease - osteoporosis in women after menopause is in direct correlation with low levels of DHEA-S in the blood.

The rate of purification of blood plasma from the presented biologically active substance is low. It is the clearance rate that influences the diagnosis of hyperandrogenic conditions in the female body. These conditions include: hirsutism - hair growth on the body and face in women, baldness, pathology of the reproductive system. During pregnancy, the hormone is produced not only in the adrenal tissues of the expectant mother, but also in the fetal organ. In addition, during pregnancy, DHEA-S is the initial link for the production of androgens by the placenta.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is often called the “mother” of hormones, because this substance is the precursor of a huge class of endocrine substances that have a steroid structure. All of the major sex hormones: testosterone, progesterone in women, and estrogen, are directly related to the level of DHEA-S in the bloodstream.

The normal value of the hormone depends on several factors:

from age;

from gender;

in women - also from the presence of pregnancy.

In children under the age of ten years, the normal level of the hormone is 0.3 - 3.5 ml/l. In adolescence (11 - 20 years old) these numbers change slightly. The concentration becomes 0.3 - 7.0 ml/l. Starting from the 21st year of life, the concentration of DHEA-S differs by gender. A peculiarity of newborn children is that the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is high, but a few days after birth this figure decreases sharply. By puberty, the concentration of the hormone reaches its highest levels, and then declines again.

· Prescribed for multiple sclerosis.

Hyperandrogenism in women develops against the background of hormonal imbalance. Excessive secretion of male sex hormones provokes external and internal changes, leading to increased libido, hirsutism, and fluctuations in the menstrual cycle.

What signs indicate that dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is elevated in women? How do androgen levels change throughout life and during pregnancy? What consequences threaten with an increase in the concentration of DEAS hormone? The answers are in the article.

Dehydroepiandrosterone: what is it?

The steroid substance is produced by the adrenal glands (more than 90%) and ovaries (about 5%). A significant excess of androgen concentration in the blood indicates pathological processes in the adrenal glands. In most cases, a tumor develops in the endocrine glands.

DHEA sulfate is an intermediate result of a complex chemical reaction. A sufficient amount of cholesterol is required for the formation of dehydroepiandrosterone. During the transformation process, others are formed from the steroid hormone.

Depending on the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone, the main “base” for the secretion of the regulator changes: with a low level of DHEA C, the zone of hormone production is the ovaries, with an excess amount of the steroid, the adrenal cortex.

Role in the body

Androgen DEAS sulfate affects many processes:

creates conditions for a stable concentration of estrogen;
reduces the accumulation of bad cholesterol;
strengthens the immune system;
prevent development;
maintains the stability of the menstrual cycle;
regulates libido strength;
supports optimal functioning of the sebaceous glands;
participates in maintaining the elasticity of the epidermis;
affects mood, reduces the risk of depression.

Women often believe that the secretion of male hormones is so small that increasing the concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone has virtually no effect on the general condition and various processes. In fact, an excess of steroid hormones provokes the development of hyperandrogenism with a complex of negative symptoms.

Norm for women

Changes in the level of DEAS hormone:

from 9 to 15 years: lower limit - 1, upper limit - 9.7;
from 15 to 30 years: lower limit - 2.4, upper limit - 14.5.

Upon reaching thirty years of age, androgen secretion gradually decreases:

from 30 to 40 years: minimum permissible concentration - 1.8, maximum values - no more than 9.7;
from 40 to 50 years: no less than 0.66 and no more than 7.2.

Subsequently, the level of the steroid substance drops even more:

from 50 to 60 years: the minimum normal values are not lower than 0.94, the maximum concentration is up to 3.3.

Androgen level standards are indicated in µmol/l.

Pregnant women have higher levels of dehydroepiandrosterone. In the first trimester, the norm of male hormone is from 3.12 to 12.48 µmol/l. In the second trimester, the levels are quite high - from 1.7 to 7 µmol/l. Closer to the period of childbirth, the level of DEAS sulfate decreases slightly: the lower limit is 0.09, the upper limit is not higher than 3.7 µmol/l.

Note! In the first hours after birth, in girls, steroid hormone levels are significantly higher than in other periods of life; after two to three days, the levels change: the level of DHEA C drops.

Reasons for the increase

Excess dehydroepiandrosterone is a sign of adrenal dysfunction or other diseases. To find out the cause of the pathological process, you need to visit a gynecologist and endocrinologist.

Excessive concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone develop in the following cases:

formation of androgenital syndrome. The reason is a deficiency of enzymes that suppress the optimal secretion of hormones, including steroids;
illness and Deviations develop during the formation of a benign or malignant tumor. The tumor is located in the brain or adrenal cortex;
during pregnancy (12-15 weeks) the placenta functions poorly;
syndrome or is one of the causes of adrenal hyperandrogenism. The hormone affects the secretion of steroid hormones in the adrenal cortex and at the same time suppresses the production of androgens in the ovaries;
detected in women of reproductive age. Hormonal imbalance combined with the presence of many underdeveloped follicles negatively affects reproductive function;
a hormonally active tumor develops in the adrenal cortex, producing male sex hormones;
, which provokes a decrease in the functional activity of the adrenal glands;
cancer diseases that disrupt hormonal balance;
progression of osteoporosis;
pathological processes in pituitary cells. An important element of the endocrine system regulates the production of hormones.

Symptoms of hyperandrogenism

With an excess of dehydroepiandrosterone, a woman notices changes in appearance and the course of various processes:

excessive nervousness and irritability appear;
endurance and physical strength increases;
develops, body hair grows more actively, an unsightly “moustache” appears above the upper lip;
the condition of the epidermis worsens: acne appears, the secretion of the sebaceous glands increases;
pregnancy proceeds with disturbances, miscarriages or premature births occur more often;
menstruation begins earlier or later than the optimal time, maturation is disrupted;
Excess androgens often provoke anovulation, which leads to insufficient synthesis and relative hyperestrogenemia. With frequent repetition of anovulatory cycles against the background of hyperandrogenism, infertility develops.

Diagnostics

After a conversation and identification of signs of hyperandrogenism, the patient must undergo a series of studies (MRI and ultrasound are mandatory) and tests. It is important to find out the lifestyle, the presence of chronic diseases, the period during which the woman complains of hirsutism, increased oily skin, menstrual irregularities, panic attacks, irritability, problems with conception. To assess disorders that interfere with conception, clarification of the levels of hormones of various kinds is prescribed: , .

Preparation:

Venous blood sampling is carried out from the 5th to 7th day of the cycle, necessarily, on an empty stomach; it is not advisable to drink water;
before the analysis you cannot undergo other procedures;
Stop sexual contacts two days before your visit to the laboratory. During this same period, you should not go to the gym, you need to prevent nervousness;
Before testing your blood for DEAS hormone, you should exclude smoked foods, fried and spicy foods, fatty foods, strong coffee, and alcohol from your diet.

How to reduce the level of DEAS hormone

Stabilization of androgen levels is impossible without eliminating the cause. Based on the results of the SO4 DHEA analysis, the endocrinologist selects the optimal treatment regimen. When a tumor process develops in the brain, the help of a neurosurgeon is required.

Find out how it is carried out and lifestyle features after surgery.

The rules for using the drug Gordox for pancreatitis of the pancreas are described on page.

Go to the address and read about the prognosis for recovery from papillary thyroid cancer after surgery.

Treatment methods:

removal of the brain is a mandatory element of treatment for the development of a neoplasm. The secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone does not stabilize while there is a tumor in the body that produces additional androgens. The presence of a neoplasm is indicated by very high levels of DHEA sulfate - more than 800 mcg/dl. In case of a malignant process, after excision of the tumor, the patient undergoes a course of chemotherapy to prevent the formation of metastases;
Hormone therapy is suitable for mature women who do not want to have a child. Taking hormonal compounds is prescribed if there are contraindications to radial treatment of the disease. After completing a course of hormonal therapy, androgen levels temporarily stabilize, but after some time they may rise again. An effective drug with an optimal concentration of antiandrogens - Diane tablets - 35. A more pronounced effect is manifested when taking an oral contraceptive in combination with Androcur;
after 50 years in women, the secretion of dehydroepiandrosterone decreases; after a certain period, a natural decrease in the level of DHEA sulfate is possible. In the presence of a tumor process, one should not hesitate to remove the tumor or carry out hormonal treatment, especially if the process is malignant;
When identifying the adrenal form of hyperandrogenism, a good result is achieved by using small doses of glucocorticoids (Prednisolone, Dexamethasone) to stabilize the production of androgens. With hirsutism in women, doctors detect adrenogenital syndrome in 2-4% of patients;
to stabilize hormonal levels, the endocrinologist advises a woman to stop eating large amounts of fatty foods, reduce the consumption of fried, smoked, pickled foods, red meat, leafy greens, and seafood;
reducing stress levels, allocating time for rest and quality sleep at night, avoiding high physical activity and taking anabolic steroids during exercise are mandatory elements of hyperandrogenism therapy;
optimizing your training regimen is another important factor affecting androgen levels. Working too hard to build muscle mass can lead to increased levels of testosterone, the most active male androgen. Thinning of the fat layer to the minimum acceptable level often leads to estrogen deficiency and hormonal infertility. Even with proper functioning of the adrenal glands, androgenital syndrome with increased secretion of steroids can form.

Excess DEAS sulfate negatively affects a woman’s reproductive function and appearance. If there is a hormonal imbalance, you will need the help of an endocrinologist. When symptoms of adrenal hyperandrogenism appear, it is important to exclude a malignant tumor process in the endocrine glands. Long-term increases in levels of male steroids, including dehydroepiandrosterone, can lead to severe forms of hormonal imbalance.

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DHEA supplements are used by people who believe they can improve their sex drive, build muscle, fight the effects of aging, and improve their health. But there isn't much evidence for many of these claims. And supplements have some risks.

Here's a summary of what science really knows about DHEA supplements and what you need to know about their safety.

What is DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the body's adrenal glands, glands above the kidneys, also known as the "elixir of youth." DHEA levels naturally drop after age 30. Some people take supplements of this hormone in the hope that it will help improve their health and prevent certain diseases. However, the evidence is mixed.

Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements can be made from wild yam or soybeans.

Scientists don't know everything that DHEA does. But they do know that it functions as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including and. These are substances that are converted by the body into hormones.

DHEA production peaks in the 20s (mid 20s). For most people, production gradually decreases as they age.

Testosterone and estrogen production also generally declines with age. DHEA supplements may increase levels of these hormones. This is why a number of claims have been made regarding their potential health benefits.

These claims range from benefits such as:

For the production of hormones and normal functioning of the adrenal glands
Strengthening the immune system
Slowing down the natural changes in the body that occur with age
Providing more energy
Improved mood and memory
Build bone tissue and muscle strength

Why accept

A number of studies have found that DHEA supplements help people with depression, obesity, lupus, and adrenal insufficiency. This hormone can also improve skin conditions in older adults and helps treat osteoporosis, vaginal atrophy, erectile dysfunction, and some psychological conditions. But research results are ambiguous and often contradictory.

Low levels of DHEA are associated with aging and a number of diseases such as anorexia, type 2 diabetes and HIV. In older men, low levels of this hormone are also associated with a higher chance of death. However, it is still unclear whether the use of dehydroepiandrosterone supplements helps in reducing the risk of any diseases.

DHEA is used by some people who want to “reverse” aging and improve immunity, cognitive function, and muscle strength. Research does not currently support these uses. The supplement has been studied for the treatment of other conditions, ranging from cardiovascular disease and menopause to Alzheimer's disease. The results were unclear.

How much does it cost to take

There is no standard dose of dehydroepiandrosterone. Some studies have used capsules whose dosage was between 25 and 200 milligrams per day or sometimes even higher, but this depends on the medical conditions being treated by the patient. You should consult your doctor for advice on this matter. .

Can You Get DHEA from Food?

There are no food sources of this hormone. Wild yams contain a substance similar to DHEA, which is used to produce the hormone in laboratories. The body produces DHEA naturally in the adrenal glands.

DHEA Supplements for Anti-Aging

Because levels of this hormone decline with age, some researchers suggest that replenishing your body's falling levels of the hormone may help fight aging. And some small studies have reported positive anti-aging effects from using DHEA supplements. But a similar number of studies found no effect.

According to the National Institute on Aging and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, there is not enough scientific evidence to support the idea that DHEA may affect how quickly you age.

Both agencies report that little is known about the effects of long-term use of DHEA. And there are some concerns that continued use of its supplements could be harmful.

DHEA Supplements for Health

DHEA supplements show some potential for alleviating mild to moderate depression. But more research is needed.

In a small six-week study, researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health found that treatment with DHEA supplements helped relieve mild to moderate depression that occurs in some middle-aged people. DHEA may also be effective in improving aging skin in older adults.

For other conditions, both the National Standard and the National Institutes of Health say the evidence is unclear and unclear whether DHEA has significant benefit in treating conditions such as:

Alzheimer's disease
Low bone density
Heart disease
Cervical cancer
Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
Crohn's disease
infertility
Rheumatoid arthritis
Schizophrenia
Sexual dysfunction

Supplement Safety

Possible side effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplements may include:

Side effects in women:

Minor side effects of using DHEA include acne, low blood pressure, and breast changes
Reducing breast size
Deep voice
Increase in the size of the genital organs
Irregular periods
Abnormal menstruation
Oily skin
Increased hair growth
Low blood pressure

Side effects in men:

Aggression
Reduction in testicular size
Urinary urgency
Breast tenderness or enlargement
Low blood pressure

Other potential side effects:

Acute respiratory failure
Anxiety
Blood in urine
Chest pain
Abnormal heart rhythm
Feeling of goosebumps, crawling on the scalp
Dizziness
Emotional changes
Fatigue
Headache
Increased risk of cataracts
Insomnia
Night sweats
Mania
Restlessness
Weight gain

A new version of DHEA, known as 7-keto-DHEA, is a natural byproduct of this hormone. Because 7-keto-DHEA is not converted into steroid hormones by the body, the risk of some hormonal side effects is reduced.

Although 7-keto-DHEA supplementation has been shown to promote weight loss, muscle building, and immune system stimulation, there hasn't been enough research to support any of these claims.

Some of these side effects may be the result of DHEA increasing testosterone and estrogen levels in the human body. Medical experts warn that little is known about the long-term effects of elevated hormone levels.

DHEA supplements should not be taken for long periods of time without consulting a healthcare professional.

DHEA and weight loss

The supplement's version of DHEA, known as 7-keto, is widely promoted as helping to reduce body fat and increase supplement metabolism. The idea is that body tissues and a higher metabolism burn calories more efficiently, making it easier not only to lose weight, but also to maintain the results.

Unfortunately, most of the studies that have been done have shown little effect of DHEA on losing weight or increasing metabolism. It's a good idea to talk to your doctor or nutritionist before investing in a supplement like DHEA for weight loss.

DHEA and Athletic Performance

DHEA supplements are sometimes used by athletes due to the claim that the supplement can improve muscle strength and enhance athletic performance. This is because DHEA is a “prohormone,” a substance that can increase levels of steroid hormones such as testosterone.

There is little evidence that DHEA has any effect on increasing muscle strength. Its use is prohibited by sports organizations such as the National Football League, Major League Baseball and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

There are risks associated with the use of any presteroid enhancer. And the higher the dose, the higher the risk. Possible side effects include:

Persistent slowdown in growth
Aggressive behavior known as "rage"
Mood swings and other psychological symptoms
High blood pressure
Liver problems

Because DHEA can increase testosterone and estrogen levels, women who use DHEA may sometimes experience side effects such as:

Voice change
Hair loss
Facial hair growth

Sometimes men may experience symptoms such as:

Breast augmentation
Tight testicles
Reduced sperm production

Talk to your doctor

If you are thinking about using DHEA supplements, there are several reasons why you should discuss it with your doctor first:

Many of the DHEA claims involve (and can result in) serious medical conditions. These conditions need to be assessed and treated by a healthcare professional.
The hormone may interact with some medications and thus change their effectiveness.
Because DHEA's capabilities include increasing levels of male and female hormones, supplementation may negatively impact hormone-sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer.
Using special supplements of this hormone carries some risk and can cause a number of side effects, although this usually only occurs at the end, on the higher dose range.

Drug interactions with dehydroepiandrosterone

Most medications can interact with others. Due to the complex and multifaceted role of DHEA, there are a number of potential interactions that can occur when it is taken along with other forms of medications.

Individuals taking any of the drugs on the following list should exercise additional caution and discuss this issue with their primary care physician:

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors
Metformin
Thiazolidinediones
Anastrozole - this drug is taken to reduce estrogen; DHEA may have the opposite effect, so it may counteract anastrozole
Antidepressants
Venlafaxine
Mirtazapine (Mirtazapine)
Bupropion (Bupropion)
Antiestrogens
Neuroleptics
Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
Benfluorex
Birth control pills
Calcium channel blockers
Canrenoate
Cardiac glycosides
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) binding agents
Gefitinib (Gefitinib)
Glycyrrhetinic acid
Licorice – DHEA levels are increased by licorice and therefore taking additional DHEA may increase side effects
Metyrapone
Propranolol

This list is not exhaustive. Talk to your doctor or primary care pharmacist if you are concerned about drug interactions with DHEA.

Contraindications

You should take extra care when using DHEA if any of the following apply to you:

Higher risk of developing prostate, liver, breast or ovarian cancer
Higher risk of urinary tract infections
Thyroid disorders or taking thyroid hormone therapy
Diabetes
Heart disease or increased risk of heart disease
Have had a stroke or were at risk of having a stroke
Low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL - “good” cholesterol)
High triglyceride levels
Bleeding – DHEA may increase the risk of bleeding
Benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH)
Sweating disorders—supplements of this hormone may cause increased odor when sweating
Anxiety or depression
Joint pain, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or sleep disorders
Immune disorders or use of immunosuppressants
Mania-related mental disorders
It is also recommended to avoid DHEA supplements if the potential patient is pregnant or breastfeeding

DHEA is a complex chemical with many roles. With further research, scientists will undoubtedly unlock the secrets of this hormone and may be able to use it to treat a variety of diseases.

Increased hormonality cannot be an indicator of good health, and that is why deviation from the norm can lead to various diseases. Before moving on to the causes and consequences of increased DHEA C hormone in women, let’s figure out what it is in principle.

What is DHEA S?

The hormone DHEA s in women or, in other words, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a hormone of youth that performs many functions not only in women, but also in men.

But there is no need to confuse puberty and the above-mentioned hormone: they have nothing in common. This type of hormone belongs to androgens and carries out the synthesis process with the help of the adrenal glands, then the process is realized thanks to the ovaries of women and the testicles of men. It is worth noting that DHEA is released along with urination.

Norms and deviations

The norm for the female half is determined by very clear indicators: from 1.70 - 9.80 µmol/l. This occurs in women under 30 years of age. For pregnant women, the hormonal norm can be much lower, namely: 3.10-12.50 µmol/l. In the second trimester, the indicator may change to the following parameters: 1.6-6.9 µmol/l. Finally, for the third trimester the norm will be 0.85-3.5 µmol/l. It is necessary to understand that a serious violation of the norm can be either the fact that the hormone is increased or the fact that it is significantly reduced.

A child, for example, at birth has a high level of this type of hormone, which is considered normal and excludes reasons for panic.

After a certain period of time, the hormone decreases its level, and then increases sharply again. Such differences are completely normal and do not go beyond what is acceptable.

Reasons for a blood test

In what cases is a DHEA blood test prescribed? In order to answer this question, you need to understand that the reasons must be very reasonable and the hormone DHEA, in particular, implies a violation:

In case of necessary diagnosis of the adrenal glands, i.e. identifying the causes of disruption of their working activity.
Inhibition of the main process or complete disruption of the ovaries.
The process of pregnancy, which lasts about two months.
Ovarian disease, namely polycystic disease.
Clear signs of excess growth of terminal hair in women who have all the signs of a male resemblance. In other words, hard and dark, not a fluffy, colorless character.
Observation of quite obvious deviations in puberty.
Violation of a woman's functional characteristics: the ability to become pregnant.
Involuntary termination of pregnancy.

Purpose of the drug

Medicines containing DHEA SO4 are prescribed in situations where:

Fatigue syndrome, expressed physically and mentally. This is especially true for older people.
The immune system is in a weakened state. In particular, the drug is prescribed after chemical and other therapies, as a restorative and strengthening agent.
Again, a supporting agent, but in the case of cancer. It must be prescribed in combination with other drugs to achieve the best results.
Cardiovascular lesions. As a result: a significant decrease in cholesterol and dissolution of the blood clot.
Excess weight in various degrees of the disease

Important! Any medication must have a compelling reason for its use, as well as a direct recommendation from a doctor.

To summarize, it can be noted that due to the high level of functionality, these drugs are often used to treat a wide variety of diseases. Of course, this is not a panacea for everything, and besides, taking this hormonal drug without a doctor’s prescription, at your own discretion, is strictly prohibited. But, nevertheless, one should not deny the effectiveness of DEA SO4.

Prevention

Preventative work is of particular importance. DHEA in women requires careful monitoring of one’s own health, but that, of course, is not all. First of all, in order to identify standard or more serious deviations from the established norm, it is necessary to monitor the menstrual cycle. The duration of this period is estimated at 28 - 30 days. In addition, we should not forget about the emotional state, which can be disturbed as a result: depression, sad mood or general fatigue. If we turn to physical manifestations, then this is brittle nails and hair.

As a result, the hormonal composition is prescribed as a preventive procedure. In particular, this applies to women after 35 years: the appearance of wrinkles and skin breakdown. Preventive procedures, in this case, can prolong youth and improve the overall balance of health.

Pay attention. The aging process should not begin prematurely: everything has its time.

If you notice external “fatigue” of the skin and the body as a whole, this should alert you and give you the impetus to go to the doctor. Perhaps the body's external manifestation signals internal problems.

Release forms and correct dosage

Hormonal drugs of this type are available in two well-known forms:

Pills.
Additives: biologically active.

Regardless of the form and release option, hormones must be taken only as prescribed by a doctor. A beneficial effect may go against the expected result, and as a result, bring an even worse outcome than the original disease. As a result, it is necessary to monitor the dosage of the drug very strictly. In addition, it is imperative to keep a calendar of the menstrual cycle, because this will help to identify and promptly identify hormonal imbalances. If this is detected, you should immediately consult a doctor.

Do not forget about the period of the menstrual cycle. Too short or vice versa: a period that is too long is not the norm. Its complete absence, if you are not pregnant, also indicates a significant deviation from the norm for the worse.

As a result

The importance of maintaining a normal hormonal state is today, erroneously, not underestimated. Starting from adolescence, a woman needs to monitor her internal processes, since their disruption is the first significant signal that her health is suffering from inconvenience. External physical manifestations are also no exception, and disruption of any processes should alert you. The type of hormone we are discussing reveals many problems at their earliest stages, causing rapid recovery in the future.

It has been noticed that women who lead a healthy lifestyle suffer problems with the internal cycle less often than those who deliberately do not monitor their condition.

These include bad habits (smoking, for example), unhealthy food, sleep disturbances and lack of proper rest. General depressed state due to some external problems. The modern course of life can become a significant reason for the disorder of the body, but nevertheless it is necessary to pay attention to the internal state and monitor one’s own health. Perhaps this is a significant reason to think about your health.

Hormones are biologically active substances necessary for the proper functioning of all human systems and organs; their content in the blood can serve as an indicator of health status. Let's look at what the hormone DHEA C is in women.

DHEA C is important not only in its own form for the functioning of the body, it is also the basis for the synthesis of 27 other hormones that have different functions. Thus, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone are formed from dehydroepiandrosterone.

The role of the hormone in the body

DHEA C is one of the 7 most important hormones of the endocrine system. It is often called the male hormone because it determines puberty and the main characteristics of a man - growth of body hair, increased physical strength and endurance. In the female body, the substance is present in much lower concentrations, but plays an equally important role related to the health of the reproductive system.

So, what is dehydroepiandrosterone responsible for in the female body:

timely puberty;
regular cyclicity of menstruation;
normal course of pregnancy;
maintaining immunity and vitality;
sexual desire and sexual pleasure;
regulation of cholesterol levels in the blood;
regulation of estrogen levels in the body;
functioning of the sebaceous glands;
stress resistance;
metabolic processes of the brain;
normal functioning of the cardiovascular system.

In addition to the above, it has been noted that DHEA S slows down the process of withering of the body: the longer the hormone is produced by the body, the longer the firmness and elasticity of the skin is preserved, and the longer reproductive function is preserved.

Impact on a woman during pregnancy

A sufficient concentration of DHEA C in the blood during pregnancy determines its normal course, namely:

preventing miscarriage;
normalization of hormonal levels;
activation of estrogen production by the placenta;
maintaining the integrity of bone tissue.

An increase or decrease in the level of the hormone in the blood during pregnancy causes the risk of various complications, including underdevelopment or loss of the fetus.

Normal hormone values

What is it in women, the norm of the substance is indicated in the table:

Age (years)	Hormone concentration in blood (µg/dL)
10-15	33,9-280
15-20	65,1-368
20-25	148-407
25-35	98,7-340
35-45	60,8-337
45-55	35,3-256
55-65	18,8-205
65-75	09,3-196
From 75	0,94-154

As can be seen from the table of values for the content of the hormone DHEA sulfate, the norm in women has the highest values during the reproductive period of life and gradually decreases after 35 years.

In addition, observations have shown that during pregnancy in the first trimester, the hormone content can exceed the upper limits and gradually decrease by the end of the third trimester.

Deviations from the norm

Any deviations in the content of DHEA C in the blood from the norm may indicate pathologies of the adrenal glands or ovaries, which indicates the presence of various diseases in the body.

Causes of insufficient levels of dehydroepiandrosterone:

polycystic ovary syndrome;
low adrenal function;
advanced stage of Addison's disease;
osteoporosis;
decreased functioning of the pituitary gland (possibly with tumors of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, with Sheehan syndrome);
alcohol abuse.

In cases where the level of the hormone in the blood is low, there is a sharp decrease in a woman’s libido and early manifestation of external and internal signs of aging of the body:

premature formation of wrinkles and skin aging;
early menopause;
increased blood cholesterol;
osteoporosis;
cardiovascular diseases (heart attack, ischemia, atherosclerosis);
vascular diseases;
diabetes;
decreased immunity and general tone.

Increased levels of DHEA in the blood are associated with the following reasons:

adrenogenital syndrome (lack of enzymes that regulate the amount of hormones produced by the adrenal glands);
Addison's syndrome (decreased adrenal activity);
tumors in the brain and adrenal cortex (Cushing's syndrome);
hypothalamic-pituitary syndrome;
ectopic adrenal hyperfunction associated with cancer of internal organs;
polycystic ovary syndrome;
placental insufficiency (in the 1st trimester of pregnancy);
progressive osteoporosis.

If dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is elevated in women, symptoms such as:

the appearance of male characteristics (increased hair on the face and body, increased physical strength and endurance, decreased timbre of the voice);
mood swings, irritability;
increased production of sebaceous glands, acne on the skin;
miscarriages during pregnancy and premature birth;
disruptions of the menstrual cycle;
decreased fertility up to infertility;
lack of estrogen in the body.

Important! A blood test does not always reveal dysfunction of the ovaries or adrenal glands, since an increase or decrease in the level of the hormone in the blood can occur within normal limits. In such cases, it is necessary to carry out additional diagnostics.

Indications for DHEA testing

Indications for diagnosing the level of DHEA in the blood are:

early menopause;
menstrual irregularities;
frequent miscarriages;
frigidity;
suspicion of infertility;
early puberty;
changes in the body according to the male type;
suspected ovarian or adrenal dysfunction.

Also, a test for dehydroepiandrosterone can be prescribed during a preventive examination for the purpose of early detection and prevention of pathologies of the genitourinary system.

In order for a blood test for hormone content (often referred to as dhea in the printout) to provide reliable information, you need to know on what day of the cycle to donate blood - on days 3-5. You also need to follow a number of rules before the study:

Days 5-7 of the menstrual cycle are most suitable for taking the test.
Blood is donated in the morning on an empty stomach.
At least 3 days before the test, you should stop having sexual intercourse and reduce the intensity of physical activity.
3-5 days before blood sampling, you should avoid alcoholic beverages and fatty or spicy foods.
Smoking is prohibited the morning before the test.
When ordering a test, you should consult with your doctor about the medications you are taking. As a rule, before taking the test, it is advised to stop taking hormonal contraception and drugs containing hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, diprospan and prednisolone.

The answer to the question of how to lower or increase DHEA C in the blood directly depends on the cause of the deviations. The following areas of therapy are distinguished:

restoration of hormonal levels with a course of hormonal medications;
removal of tumors in organs by surgery (for operable benign tumors) or medication (for inoperable and malignant growths);
diet therapy (giving up alcohol and junk food, switching to a balanced diet);
treatment of stressful conditions, establishment of proper sleep patterns.

Considering the importance of the hormone for prolonging health and youth, scientists have developed a number of drugs based on dehydroepiandrosterone.

Preparations with DHEA so4, what is it? These are tablets or creams based on an artificially synthesized hormone, aimed at combating age-related changes, maintaining immunity, mental activity and sexual activity.