Home | Start The Analyst | FAQ | Search | Health Discussion Forum
Test for DHEA
  DHEA, Test For
 Recommended for…
 


Although not yet formally validated, DHEA testing can be performed on blood, saliva or urine samples. DHEA levels from these sources generally reflect a person's DHEA status. The most common blood test to evaluate this hormone is one that measures DHEAS (sulfate). Directions


When having your blood tested for DHEAS, it is recommended that blood should be drawn 3-4 hours after the last dose, if you are taking DHEA. When testing blood levels for DHEA, which has a shorter life than DHEAS in the blood stream, consider testing 2 hours after your last dose. Testing at least 12 hours since your last dose of DHEA should reflect unsupplemented levels.





Test for DHEA can help with the following:
Autoimmune  Autoimmune Tendency
 Some doctors report finding that a high percentage of patients with autoimmune disorders are also deficient in DHEA, and should be tested.

  Lupus, SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythromatosis)
 DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as SLE.

  Myasthenia Gravis
 DHEA is almost always low in patients with autoimmune conditions such as myasthenia gravis.

  Ulcerative Colitis
 DHEA can be a factor in autoimmune problems, which some consider ulcerative colitis to be.

Hormones

  Hyperthyroidism
 Some doctors report finding that a high percentage of patients with autoimmune disorders, such as Graves' disease, are also deficient in DHEA, and should be tested.

Immunity

  Chronic Fatigue / Fibromyalgia Syndrome
  Weakened Immune System

Tumors, Malignant

  Breast Cancer
 Of 5,000 women followed in one study, 27 developed cancer. Most of the 27 had abnormally low levels of DHEA.


KEY
May do some good
Likely to help


GLOSSARY

Autoimmune Disease (Autoimmune, Autoimmunity)
One of a large group of diseases in which the immune system turns against the body's own cells, tissues and organs, leading to chronic and often deadly conditions. Examples include multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus, Bright's disease and diabetes.

Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.

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.

Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.

Saliva (Salivary)
The watery mixture of secretions from the salivary and oral mucous glands that lubricates chewed food and moistens the oral walls.

Thyrotoxicosis (Graves Disease, Graves' Disease)
Also known as Graves' disease, is a disorder of excess thyroid hormone production. It is usually linked to an enlarged thyroid gland and bulging eyes (exophthalmos).

Ulcerative Colitis (Colitis Ulcerosa)
Ulceration of the colon and rectum, usually long-term and characterized by rectal bleeding or blood in the stool, frequent urgent diarrhea/bowel movements each day, abdominal pain.




Last updated: Jul 12, 2008


Home | Start The Analyst | FAQ | Search | Health Discussion Forum
Design by: RoyalWebHosting.com