DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. so let's simply keep calling it DHEA. It exists in two forms in the body-- DHEA and DHEA-S (S for sulfated, a metabolite of DHEA)-- both types are hormonal agents produced by the adrenal cortex in reaction to the pituitary production of ACTH (as throughout a tension action). Numerous patients who have been through IVF might identify with DHEA as one of the hormones they're recommended throughout preparation for their cycle, but a lot of don't in fact know what DHEA is or what its numerous functions remain in the body.

DHEA-S is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans. It is also the most plentiful product of the adrenal glands-- recently, it has garnered some attention in the literature. When we start to break down all the functions that DHEA has in the body, it's not tough to see why it has actually gotten our attention.

1. Low levels of DHEA and DHEA-S have been associated with aging. For instance, in this research study DHEA-S levels were lower in assisted living home patients who needed total care when compared to individuals who could take care of themselves.

2. Low DHEA-S has been associated with coronary artery blockage (called "stenosis") in males.

3. While the relationship in between aging and DHEA is not yet known, DHEA levels have actually been postulated to be a marker for age-related chronic conditions.

4. Levels of DHEA and DHEA-S have shown a connection to the incidence of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

5. DHEA-S levels have also been shown to be connected with depression.

6. It has been speculated that low levels of DHEA in menopausal females are associated with vaginal atrophy, fat accumulation, hot flashes, type 2 diabetes, memory loss and cognitive problem.

7. It plays an important function in the performance of the immune system-- modulating immune markers like T cells and natural killer (NK) cells.

8. Appropriate DHEA is associated with physical and psychological well-being, muscle strength and bone density; it also reduces body fat and age-related skin thinning (believe wrinkles).