Why test DHEA?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the body’s adrenal glands. The body uses DHEA to make androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens, the male and female sex hormones.
If your DHEA levels are not normal, it may mean there is a problem with your adrenal glands or sex organs (testicles or ovaries).
High DHEA in women may be the cause of acne, menstrual irregularities, excess body and facial hair, scalp hair loss, and increased muscularity. Men may not have any apparent symptoms of high levels.
Low DHEA levels are associated with a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction in men, and thinning of vaginal tissues in women. Severely low levels may be a sign of an adrenal gland disorder with more serious symptoms.