What Causes High DHEA Levels?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands near the kidneys and in the liver. According to Vanderbilt University, DHEA is the precursor to more than 50 other hormones. DHEA has the ability to convert to any specific hormones the body needs in order to maintain bodily functions. Low levels of DHEA are a more common problem than high levels, but there are some people with high levels. There are a number of factors generating this condition.

Factors

• According to Delta Body System, high levels of stress associated with the modern lifestyle such as heavy workload, emotional stress and busy lifestyle can cause a spike in DHEA levels. Other variables such as medications, aging, environmental toxins such as air pollutants or toxic waste, unhealthy diet and excessive exercise also may generate excessive production of DHEA.

Polycystic Ovaries

• According to Women's Health, as many as 5 million women in the United States have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a common hormonal problem among child-bearing women, even though girls as young as 11 may be affected. PCOS may cause the ovaries to make more androgens than normal. Even though androgens are primarily male hormones, females also make them and high levels of androgen can affect the development and release of eggs during ovulation.

Androgen-secreting Tumors

• Androgen-secreting tumors (AST) happen when a tumor develops either in the ovary or in the adrenal gland. According to the Endocrine Surgeon website, this condition is rare and mostly affects younger women under 50. AST causes an increase in the production of androgens, causing the manifestations of male physical characteristics such as excessive hair growth, deepening of voice, irregular periods, infertility, acne, male pattern baldness and breast atrophy.

Metabolic Syndrome

• High glucose levels may induce high production of DHEA. High levels of DHEA may indicate the risk for developing metabolic syndrome. Metabolic syndrome in turn increases risks for coronary heart disease, stroke, peripheral vascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. According to the Pure Prescriptions website, high levels of DHEA may be used as a risk marker for metabolic syndrome as high levels of DHEA often are seen in women years before they develop the syndrome.