By Jennifer Kohler MS, FNP-C, CLC
"What is DHEA?"
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a sex hormone that is primarily made by your adrenal glands. A small amount of this hormone is also produced in the brain and in your skin, and men also secrete it from their testes. DHEA is a precursor to the production of several other hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. DHEA production often peaks in your 20’s and then starts declining after 30 years old and continues to decline with age. By the age of 70 your production of DHEA is usually less than ¼ of the amount that your body had made when it was younger.
DHEA has many important metabolic functions in our body and is popular with athletes for its role in helping maintain muscle mass, repair muscles, and decrease body fat by utilizing glucose more effectively. In fact, the NCAA has added DHEA supplements to the list of banned substances, however this is very controversial because it does not work like an anabolic steroid in causing abnormal muscle growth.
DHEA production and supplements have been linked to decreasing inflammation, aiding in lowering diabetic risk, lean muscle maintenance/growth, improving bone density, helping libido, and improving cognition to name a few benefits. While there are a lot of benefits of DHEA, the supplement should be used with caution and is not recommended with certain health conditions (certain cancers), young people or with certain medications. As always, because we are all individuals the way it may affect your body can differ from one person to another.
"What is Cortisol?"
Cortisol is made in your adrenal glands and is often referred to as “the stress hormone”. It elevates in times of stress and illness and is necessary to live. When stress decreases or you are not ill, it should decrease. Unfortunately, in today’s world, our stress seems to be more chronic and persistent as we are now always available, constantly stimulated, trying to get ahead, and multitasking, to name a few reasons. These constant stimuli can lead to persistent elevations of cortisol long term and can manifest various symptoms. People will often have cognitive symptoms of anxiety, forgetfulness, memory issues, and confusion. Other common symptoms are insomnia, fatigue, palpitations, weight gain, dizziness, and headaches.
Cortisol is necessary in order to live, and too low cortisol can be associated with many negative symptoms as well and can otherwise be known as “adrenal fatigue”. Some common findings are fatigue, feeling “unwell”, lack of stamina, lack of motivation, delayed wound healing, low blood sugar, and in women increased PMS/perimenopausal/menopausal symptoms.
Cortisol has many necessary functions in your body and does not deserve the bad reputation it tends to get. Cortisol itself is not the issue, but the lack of balance or extreme of too much or too little is usually the problem. You can work with your provider to evaluate cortisol levels and discuss supplements or lifestyle changes to help achieve healthy cortisol release and balance.
IM of CNY has specialty testing available to evaluate your cortisol profile and DHEA, in addition to complete hormone testing. We also have various supplements that could be useful in addressing imbalances once identified and this can further be coupled with HeartMath to further aid in stress management and behavior change. If you think you may be experiencing a problem with your adrenal glands or need help managing stress call us at 315-741-5774.
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