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Reasons for a Decline in DHEA

DHEA is the abbreviated name for dehydroepiandrosterone, a steroid hormone produced by the body. DHEA plays a part in the aging process and the levels of the hormone decrease naturally after people reach 30 years of age. Age is the main cause for DHEA decline. However, other factors, such as medication and diet, may also cause a drop. The hormone is also associated with memory and conditions related to the memory, such as Alzheimer´s disease.

  1. Basics

    • DHEA is mainly produced by the adrenal glands. It is derived from the body´s "master hormone," pregnenolone, which in turn is derived from cholesterol. DHEA can metabolize into both the estrogen and testosterone sex hormones and there is a connection between the high levels of sex hormones during youth and DHEA levels. It is also responsible for the general good health of younger people and low levels may result in specific health problems such as diabetes and heart disease.

    Women

    • DHEA levels decrease from about the age of 35. Women are at a disadvantage as they start with lower amounts of DHEA than men and when levels begin to decrease, they also lose DHEA at a faster rate. Men maintain a DHEA level that is 30 percent higher than the level in women. Low levels of DHEA in women, especially post-menopause when estrogen levels are also lowered, are associated with osteoporosis and increased risk of heart disease.

    Diet

    • According to Medline Plus, although wild yams and soy are used in making synthetic DHEA supplements, eating these in food form will not raise your DHEA levels as the body can´t convert the chemicals contained in yams and soy into DHEA. Medline also states that vegetarians have higher levels of DHEA than non-vegetarians. However, when female vegetarians lose estrogen during menopause, the DHEA levels also drop.

    Corticosteroids and Insulin

    • According to Medline, it is possible that some anti-inflammatory medications cause a drop in natural DHEA levels and that they might decrease the efficacy of DHEA supplements. Dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone and prednisone are among the listed treatments thought to have this effect. Insulin may also lower DHEA, so anyone using insulin and DHEA must be aware that the supplements may be less effective.

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