Low DHEA Levels: Symptoms, Testing, and Treatment Options

What Is DHEA?

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor hormone, meaning it can be converted into other key hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, in both men and women.

DHEA levels naturally peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age. By midlife, many individuals have significantly lower levels than they did in their 20s, even in the absence of overt disease. Chronic stress, illness, poor sleep, and adrenal strain can further suppress DHEA production.

1. Why DHEA Matters

DHEA plays a supporting role across multiple physiologic systems. Research suggests that appropriate DHEA levels may contribute to:

• Maintenance of lean muscle mass
• Support for mood and emotional resilience
• Libido and sexual function
• Cognitive performance and mental clarity
• Immune system regulation

Because DHEA influences downstream sex hormones, low levels can have wide-ranging effects that are often subtle but cumulative over time.

2. Common Symptoms of Low DHEA

Low DHEA does not present the same way in everyone, but commonly reported symptoms include:

3. How DHEA Is Tested

Blood testing usually measures DHEA-S — the sulfated form of DHEA — because it remains stable throughout the day, unlike DHEA which fluctuates with diurnal rhythms. Testing provides objective data that helps determine whether levels are appropriate for age and sex. 

Importantly, symptoms alone are not sufficient to guide supplementation. Lab testing allows for individualized, evidence-guided decisions.

4. When DHEA Supplementation May Be Considered

DHEA supplementation is not appropriate for everyone. When used, it should be guided by laboratory data and clinical context. In individuals with confirmed low levels and compatible symptoms, carefully dosed supplementation may offer symptomatic support for energy, mood, libido, and hormonal balance in select patients.

Because DHEA can convert into other hormones, inappropriate dosing or unsupervised use can lead to unwanted side effects. Medical guidance is essential.

6. The RMRM Approach

DHEA is a small hormone with an outsized impact on how many people feel as they age. If fatigue, mood changes, or low libido have been persistent despite good sleep, nutrition, and exercise, evaluating DHEA levels may provide useful insight.

At Rocky Mountain Regenerative Medicine, hormone evaluation is always individualized and guided by data — not guesswork.

Frequently Asked Questions

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