Why do I have low Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and high Dopamine levels?

From the Guidelines

Low DHEA and high dopamine levels can be caused by various factors, including adrenal insufficiency, stress, age, and certain medications, and addressing this imbalance may require a comprehensive approach including stress management, lifestyle changes, and possibly DHEA supplementation under medical supervision. When considering the potential causes and treatments for low DHEA and high dopamine levels, it's essential to evaluate the evidence from recent studies. According to a study published in 2018 1, dopamine can suppress serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, which may contribute to low DHEA levels. This suggests that high dopamine levels could be a contributing factor to low DHEA. Some key factors to consider include:

• Adrenal insufficiency or dysfunction, which can reduce DHEA production, as noted in a consensus statement on primary adrenal insufficiency published in 2014 2
• Stress, which can deplete DHEA while potentially increasing dopamine as part of the body's stress response
• Age, as DHEA naturally declines after age 30
• Certain medications, particularly stimulants and some antidepressants, which can increase dopamine while potentially affecting adrenal hormone production
• Diet and lifestyle factors like poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and excessive caffeine consumption, which can also contribute to this imbalance To address low DHEA and high dopamine levels, consider the following approaches:
• Stress management techniques, such as meditation or yoga
• Adequate sleep and balanced nutrition
• Possibly DHEA supplementation (typically 25-50mg daily) under medical supervision, as suggested in the 2014 consensus statement 2 However, it's crucial to consult with a healthcare provider for proper testing and personalized treatment, as self-diagnosing hormone imbalances can be inaccurate and potentially harmful.

From the Research

Low Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Levels

• Low levels of DHEA have been associated with age-related involuntary changes, including reduced lifespan 3
• DHEA levels decrease rapidly during aging, and low levels of DHEA have been linked to increased cardiovascular disease and all-cause mortality 3
• DHEA replacement therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on health perception, vitality, fatigue, and sexuality in patients with adrenal insufficiency 4

High Dopamine Levels

• DHEA has been shown to increase tonic and phasic dopamine release in the striatum 5
• Dopamine infusion has been found to suppress serum DHEA concentrations in critically ill patients 6
• The simultaneous suppression of circulating prolactin and DHEA by dopamine infusion may be an iatrogenic factor maintaining or aggravating the anergic state of prolonged severe illness 6

Relationship between DHEA and Dopamine

• DHEA could act by reducing inhibitory GABAergic activity in the striatal output pathways, which could increase dopamine activity 7
• DHEA could be metabolized into estradiol in the brain, which could also increase dopamine activity 7
• The effect of DHEA on dopamine release is not reflected in dopamine metabolism or motor activity, similar to the effect of typical antipsychotics 5