From the Guidelines
Elevated DHEA levels can cause a range of symptoms, including excessive facial and body hair growth, acne, and menstrual irregularities in women, as well as premature puberty, increased aggression, and mood changes in men. These symptoms are primarily due to the masculinizing effects of high DHEA levels, which can lead to an imbalance in sex hormones in the body 1. The symptoms of high DHEA can vary between men and women, but common symptoms include:
- Excessive facial and body hair growth (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Male-pattern baldness
- Deepening of the voice
- Menstrual irregularities
- Reduced breast size
- Clitoral enlargement
- Premature puberty in younger males
- Increased aggression
- Mood changes
- Insulin resistance, leading to weight gain around the abdomen
It is essential to note that elevated DHEA is often associated with conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women 1. According to the most recent study, the diagnostic accuracy of androgen measurement in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is crucial for determining the underlying cause of elevated DHEA levels 1. Therefore, if you experience these symptoms, medical evaluation is important to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
From the Research
Symptoms of Elevated DHEA Levels
Elevated Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels can manifest through various symptoms, primarily due to its role as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. The symptoms can vary between men and women and may include:
- Hirsutism: Excessive hair growth in women, particularly on the face, chest, and back, due to the conversion of DHEA into androgens 2.
- Hyperandrogenism: High levels of male hormones, which can lead to acne, male pattern baldness, and deepening of the voice in women 2.
- Virilization: Development of male characteristics in women, such as clitoral enlargement and increased muscle mass, especially with rapidly progressive conditions 2.
- Oligomenorrhea or Amenorrhea: Irregular or absent menstrual periods in women, often associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) 3, 2.
- Libido Changes: Alterations in sexual desire, which can be an increase or decrease, depending on the individual and the balance of sex hormones 4, 5.
- Muscle Strength and Body Composition Changes: DHEA supplementation has been shown to increase muscle strength in men and potentially alter body composition, although effects can vary by gender and individual response 6.
- Psychological Well-being: Some studies suggest that DHEA may improve self-reported physical and psychological well-being, although this is not universally observed and may depend on the context of DHEA levels and individual health status 5, 6.
Considerations
It's essential to note that the symptoms of elevated DHEA can overlap with those of other conditions, such as PCOS, adrenal hyperplasia, and androgen-secreting tumors. The diagnosis of elevated DHEA levels and the differentiation from other causes of hyperandrogenism require clinical evaluation and laboratory tests 3, 2. Additionally, the use of DHEA as a supplement or replacement therapy is a topic of ongoing research, with potential benefits and risks that need to be carefully considered, especially in the context of aging and menopause 4, 5.