What should your dhea levels be

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DHEA sulfate levels normally decline with age in both men and women. Over-the-counter DHEA sulfate supplements are available and are sometimes promoted as an anti-aging therapy. But there is no reliable evidence to support these anti-aging claims. In fact, these supplements may cause serious side effects. If you have questions about DHEA supplements, talk to your health care provider. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice.

Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. What is a DHEA sulfate test? What is it used for? A DHEA sulfate DHEAS test is most often used to: Find out if your adrenal glands are working right Diagnose tumors of the adrenal glands Diagnose disorders of the testicles or ovaries Find out the cause of early puberty in boys Find out the cause of excess body hair growth and development of masculine features in women and girls A DHEAS test is often done along with other sex hormone tests.

Symptoms of high levels of DHEAS in women and girls may include: Excess body and facial hair growth Deepening of voice Menstrual irregularities Acne Increased muscularity Hair loss at the top of the head Babies may also need testing if they have genitals that are not clearly male or female in appearance ambiguous genitalia.

DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk of cancer, don't use DHEA. Consider avoiding use of DHEA if you have high cholesterol or a condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart ischemic heart disease.

Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders. DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women hirsutism. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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You may opt-out of e-mail communications at any time by clicking on the Unsubscribe link in the e-mail. Our Housecall e-newsletter will keep you up-to-date on the latest health information. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Some DHEA is also made by the ovaries and testes. In both men and women, the sex hormones estrogen and testosterone depend on DHEA. IGF-1 helps with muscle growth and insulin sensitivity. Signs and symptoms in women include:.

In girls it can cause enlargement of the external genitals and abnormal periods. You may also have tests to check your levels of estrogen, testosterone, and other sex hormones. You may have an adrenocorticotropic hormone ACTH test. Test results may vary depending on your age, gender, health history, the method used for the test, and other things.

Your test results may not mean you have a problem. Ask your healthcare provider what your test results mean for you. Normal levels vary with age and sex.