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DHEA Elevated
  DHEA Elevated
 Signs, symptoms, indicators
 Contributing risk factors
 Treatment recommendations
 


Excess DHEA can cause excess levels of estrogen and testosterone, as well as creating a dependence.





Signs, symptoms & indicators of DHEA Elevated:
Lab Values - Hormones  Elevated DHEA level (confirmed)

Counter-indicators:
  Reduced/low DHEA level (confirmed)

Risk factors for DHEA Elevated:
Childhood  Early puberty onset
 Girls with premature puberty have been found to have elevated levels of DHEA-S. The elevated levels are normally one of the first biochemical signs of awakening of the reproductive glands, in this case the adrenal gland after the long period of childhood inactivity.

Recommendations and treatments for DHEA Elevated:
HormoneNot recommended:
  DHEA


KEY
Strong or generally accepted link
Proven definite or direct link
Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative
Avoid absolutely


GLOSSARY

Adrenal (Adrenal Gland, Adrenal Glands, Adrenals)
The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and consist of an outer cortex and an inner medulla. Of the 50 or so hormones the adrenals make, only cortisone and adrenaline are recognized by most people. Some of these hormones must be produced to preserve life, while others help resist stress. Other hormones from the adrenals control normal energy output (along with the thyroid) and govern the breakdown of stored energy into quick energy sources. The medulla produces epinephrine and norepinephrine, which are specifically designed to help the body deal with stressful situations. The adrenals control the body's potassium/sodium balance, which is vital for energy production. They also produce sex hormones in minute amounts, which is important for later years when the gonads drop or cease their production.

DHEA (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced by the adrenal glands and is the most abundant one found in humans. DHEA may be transformed into testosterone, estrogen or other steroids. It is found in the body as DHEA or in the sulfated form known as DHEA-S. One form is converted into the other as needed.

Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.

Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.

Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.




Last updated: Apr 13, 2008


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