Aging is inevitable, and as you age, your hormones decline, leading to an array of health problems. One hormone, in particular, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), plays a crucial role in many functions in the body, including modulating the immune system, reducing inflammation, and regulating the stress hormone cortisol.
However, when DHEA is too high or too low, it can cause severe health problems, including weakened immune function, mood disorders, adrenal fatigue, obesity, and cognitive impairment. In this article, we’ll show you how to lower DHEA and reclaim your hormonal balance.
Causes of High DHEA
DHEA levels increase with age and stress. However, other factors can cause excessive DHEA production, leading to hormonal imbalances. Some of these factors include:
- Adrenal Tumors: Adrenal tumors can cause DHEA production, leading to high DHEA levels.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Women with PCOS often have high levels of androgen hormones, including DHEA.
- Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): CAH is a rare genetic disorder that causes the adrenal glands to produce high levels of androgen hormones, including DHEA.
- Stress: Chronic stress can cause DHEA levels to increase as the body attempts to counteract the effects of cortisol.
- Supplements: DHEA supplements can increase DHEA levels beyond the normal range.
Reasons to Lower DHEA
While DHEA has many benefits, including the ability to enhance immune function and reduce inflammation, excessive DHEA production can lead to several health issues. These are some reasons you may want to lower your DHEA levels:
- Feeling anxious and experiencing mood swings
- Weight gain and obesity
- Adrenal Fatigue
- Cognitive impairment and memory loss
- Weakened immune function
How to Lower DHEA?
If you have high DHEA levels, there are several things you can do to lower it naturally. These include:
Reduce stress levels
Stress increases the production of cortisol, which can cause DHEA levels to rise. Stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help in lowering stress levels and ultimately reducing DHEA levels.
Exercise regularly
Regular exercise can help balance hormones, including DHEA. Exercise helps decrease stress levels and increases endorphin production, enhancing your overall well-being. Cardiovascular exercise, resistance training, and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) can help in achieving this.
Change your diet
The types of food you consume can significantly impact your hormone levels, including DHEA. Consuming a diet rich in fiber, healthy fats, and low glycemic index foods can help in lowering DHEA levels. Avoiding high sugar foods, high glycemic index carbohydrates, and processed foods can also help in lowering DHEA levels.
Take supplements
Several supplements can help balance DHEA levels, including:
- Vitamin D: Vitamin D is crucial in hormone production in the body. Studies have shown that vitamin D supplements can help regulate DHEA levels in women.
- Magnesium: Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays a critical role in hormonal balance. It helps reduce stress and anxiety levels, leading to a decrease in DHEA production.
- Zinc: Zinc supplementation can reduce DHEA levels in women with high levels of DHEA.
Conclusion
DHEA is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, but when produced excessively, it can lead to several health issues. Fortunately, lowering DHEA levels can be achieved naturally by reducing stress levels, exercising regularly, changing your diet, and taking supplements. It is always essential to speak with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, especially if you have a pre-existing health condition.
FAQs
- What is DHEA? DHEA is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands, testes, and ovaries. It plays a crucial role in the production of sex hormones, including estrogen and testosterone.
- What are the symptoms of high DHEA levels? High DHEA levels can cause symptoms, including mood swings, weight gain, adrenal fatigue, cognitive impairment, and weakened immune function.
- What causes high DHEA levels? Factors that can cause high DHEA levels include adrenal tumors, PCOS, CAH, stress, and DHEA supplements.
- What lifestyle changes can help reduce DHEA levels naturally? Reducing stress levels, exercising regularly, changing your diet, and taking supplements can help reduce DHEA levels naturally.
- Which supplements can help reduce DHEA levels? Supplement that can help reduce DHEA levels include Vitamin D, magnesium, and zinc.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2653115/
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/152702901750067967
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5500686/
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6770190/