What Does a Low DHEA Mean?

Your DHEA and cortisol are both produced by the adrenal cortex — so a low-range DHEA can be an early clue that something is also wrong with your cortisol, the pattern behind adrenal fatigue.

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DHEA and cortisol come from the same source

Your DHEA and cortisol are both produced by the adrenal cortex — so a low-range DHEA may indicate a problem with cortisol. The adrenals produce cortisol in a diurnal pattern, with an early morning surge to wake you up that then tapers off during the day.

What happens when stress keeps cortisol high

People who are under a lot of stress have elevated cortisol levels all day and even at night. Cortisol excess leads to increased reverse T3 (rT3) levels and hence hypothyroid symptoms, along with impaired cognition, blood sugar imbalance, lower bone density, insomnia, muscle wasting, hypertension, lowered immune function, slowed wound healing and increased abdominal fat.

From high cortisol to adrenal fatigue

After a prolonged period of stress, the adrenal glands can become burned out — much like the pancreas does with type II diabetes. This is what we call adrenal fatigue. It will cause you to feel tired, rundown and overwhelmed, and you will have trouble getting up in the morning.

About the author

Allen Smolenski, M.D.

Emergency Medicine physician and founder of Coastal Medical Clinic in Surfside Beach (2009). After losing nearly 60 pounds himself — and placing third in his class at the 2008 NPC Natural Northern USA Bodybuilding Contest — he completed a fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine through the A4M, and now helps patients across the Grand Strand optimize their hormones, metabolism, and long-term health.

Meet Dr. Smolenski →