What happens if DHEA is high in females?
What happens if DHEA is high in females?
High DHEA levels in females are often associated with PCOS. High levels of DHEA are also associated with a higher risk for breast cancer (here’s a second article on DHEA and breast cancer) High DHEA levels in females also may indicate an adrenal gland tumor or overactive adrenal glands.
What causes high DHEA levels in females?
An increase in DHEA-sulfate may be due to: A common genetic disorder called congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A tumor of the adrenal gland, which can be benign or be a cancer. A common problem in women younger than 50, called polycystic ovary syndrome.
What is considered extremely high DHEA levels?
Elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) levels indicate increased adrenal androgen production. Mild elevations in adults are usually idiopathic, but levels of 600 mcg/dL or more can suggest the presence of an androgen-secreting adrenal tumor.
How high are DHEA levels in PCOS?
High DHEAS levels are found in 22–25% of patients with PCOS (10). However, some studies have reported frequencies of DHEAS levels as high as 48–52% in PCOS (11). Another finding is that patients with high DHEAS levels are younger, thinner, and more hirsute than PCOS patients with normal DHEAS levels (10).
What are the symptoms of too much DHEA?
Symptoms of high levels of DHEAS in women and girls may include:
- Excess body and facial hair growth.
- Deepening of voice.
- Menstrual irregularities.
- Acne.
- Increased muscularity.
- Hair loss at the top of the head.
Why is DHEA high in PCOS?
Examples of androgens include testosterone, androstenedione, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and DHEA sulfate (DHEAS). Androgens may become increased in women with PCOS because of the high levels of LH but also because of increased levels of insulin that are usually seen with PCOS.
What causes high DHEAS in PCOS?
Although ovaries are the main source of increased androgens in the syndrome, between 20 and 30% of patients with PCOS can have excess androgens from an adrenal source, manifested as elevated dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels.
How do you treat high levels of DHEA?
Drugs that can decrease or lower the levels of DHEA in the body include:
- Antipsychotic medications, including chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and quetiapine (Seroquel)
- Budesonide (Pulmicort)
- Estrogens.
- Oral contraceptives (birth control pills)
- Dexamethasone (Decadron)
- Metformin (Glucophage)
Can I get pregnant with high DHEA?
DHEA is a precursor to many steroid hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Low levels can prevent ovulation and are associated with low ovarian reserve….Fertility Tests for Women – Part Two.
| Ovarian Fertility Potential | pmol/L | ng/mL |
|---|---|---|
| Low Fertility | 2.2 – 15.7 | 0.3 – 2.2 |
| Very Low / undetectable | 0.0 – 2.2 | 0.0 – 0.3 |
| High Level | > 48.5 | > 6.8 |
Does high DHEAS cause weight gain?
Side Effects May increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, ovarian, uterine, or cervical cancer and malignant melanoma or other hormonally-affected cancers. Hormonal side effects can be significant, including acne, skin changes, excess hair or hair loss, increased sweating, and weight gain.
