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How Do I Raise Low DHEA Levels?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced in the adrenal glands and is a precursor to adrenal hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, as well as cortisol, which is a stress hormone. Low DHEA levels can result in premature aging, a weakened immune system, and degenerative diseases. Therefore, it is essential to raise these levels when they fall below normal in order to live a long and healthy life. Certain lifestyle and dietary changes can help to raise low DHEA levels naturally. In addition, DHEA replacement therapy is also an effective strategy that can help.
A natural way to raise low DHEA levels is to make dietary changes. One of the precursors to DHEA is cholesterol, which gets converted into pregnenolone before it converts into DHEA. Therefore, it is important to maintain a healthy level of good cholesterol in the body. Healthy fats from eggs, coconut oil, nuts, and seeds that are high in omega-3 fatty acids are good foods to add into the diet. The foods to avoid are sodas, sweets, and other junk foods that can stress the body and thereby slow down DHEA production.
Getting a moderate amount of exercise and reducing stress are important lifestyle changes that can help in raising low DHEA levels. Any type of prolonged stress, depression, or anxiety has been shown to reduce DHEA production, and therefore, it is important to avoid these situations in order to maintain healthy DHEA levels. Sleep is also important, as not only does it help in reducing mental stress and anxiety, but it can also help in reducing physical stress. Heavy pollutants in the air can also be stressful on the body and so should be avoided in order to prevent low DHEA levels.
DHEA replacement therapy is another way to raise low DHEA levels. There are supplements available in the forms of tablets or capsules that you can take. You can also get daily DHEA injections, which should be used with caution and under the care of a physician. Those who are under the age of 35 or those who are at normal levels should also not take extra DHEA.
Before starting any DHEA replacement therapy, you should speak to your physician to make sure that it is right for you. It is also important to have your blood levels tested in order to determine the correct dosage. Ongoing monitoring is just as important as excess amounts of DHEA in the blood can negatively affect the heart. The therapy is not recommended for individuals who suffer from breast, uterine, ovarian, or prostate cancers.
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![Relaxing and reducing stress can raise DHEA levels.]()
By: Andreas PRelaxing and reducing stress can raise DHEA levels. -
![Avoiding stress and getting moderate exercise may help boost the body's DHEA levels.]()
By: zea_lenanetAvoiding stress and getting moderate exercise may help boost the body's DHEA levels. -
![Dehydroepiandrosterone is a precursor to homones such as progesterone.]()
By: logos2012Dehydroepiandrosterone is a precursor to homones such as progesterone. -
![The body has two adrenal glands that when properly functioning release hormones -- such as dehydroepiandrosterone -- that help regulate metabolism, physical development and stress.]()
By: Sebastian KaulitzkiThe body has two adrenal glands that when properly functioning release hormones -- such as dehydroepiandrosterone -- that help regulate metabolism, physical development and stress. -
![Chronic stress can cause the body to overproduce cortisol.]()
By: Photographee.euChronic stress can cause the body to overproduce cortisol.
Discussion Comments
@stoneMason-- Before trying to raise DHEA levels with the suggestions made in this article, it's probably a good idea to discover the cause of low DHEA first. If the underlying cause is not treated, I doubt that these methods for increasing DHEA will be effective.
Low DHEA often indicates an issue with the adrenal glands. And some diagnostic testing ought to be run to see why the adrenal glands are functioning abnormally. Once the underlying cause is treated or controlled, then it will be much easier to raise DHEA levels. In some cases, the levels might go back to normal on their own when the underlying health issue is gone. So additional treatment might not be necessary.
@stoneMason-- I don't agree with you. It's easy to overdose on DHEA supplements. It's necessary to have DHEA levels checked periodically while on these supplements to make sure that overdose is not occurring and many people are not able to do that. So some people go from having low DHEA to excessively high DHEA, which comes with its own share of problems and side effects.
I took DHEA supplements for a long time and developed some complications like hair loss and severe mood changes. I think it's best to raise DHEA levels naturally if possible. Because lifestyle and diet changes increased DHEA levels slowly and the results are more permanent. So there are basically no risks or side effects involved.
I think the easiest way and the best way to raise DHEA levels is to take DHEA supplements. I have low DHEA which causes chronic fatigue. DHEA supplements have benefited me greatly. My energy is back and I plan to continue using the supplements.
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