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DHEA
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is synthesized primarily in
the adrenal glands from the steroid precursor pregnenolone which is synthesized
from cholesterol. DHEA is the main precursor for estradiol and testosterone. In
the blood most DHEA is sulfated (DHEA-S04) providing a storage depot for DHEA,
thereby prolonging its half life and providing a steady state source of DHEA for
conversion to estrogens and androgens in the adrenal glands, ovaries, and
testes.
Circulating levels are closely associated with aging,
dropping nearly five-fold from a peak at age 20-25 to a low at age 70-80.
Various diseases such as osteoporosis, CVD, AIDS, autoimmune disease (i.e.
lupus), Alzheimer’s disease, breast cancer, thyroid disease, and diabetes have
been associated with low circulating DHEA levels.
It has been suggested that measures which increase
circulating DHEA levels such as exercise, proper diet, stress reduction, and/or
supplementation can ameliorate some of the diseases associated with low DHEA
levels, especially the generalized debilitation associated with aging. Although
such debilitation is multifactorial, measurement of DHEA allows identification
of low levels as a possible contributing factor and a means to follow specific
intervention.
Interpretation of Results
DHEA levels in saliva reflect active DHEA and not
DHEA-SO4. Patients on transdermal DHEA creams may have high DHEA levels.
Age and Sex Specific Ranges for DHEA in
Saliva
(Unsupplemented A.M. Ranges in pg/ml)
Female
Male
Age
Range
Age
Range
20 - 29
106 - 300
20 - 29 137
- 336
30 - 39
77 - 217
30 - 39
82 - 287
40 - 49
47 - 200
40 - 49
68 - 221
50 - 59
38 - 136
50 - 59
49 - 177
60 - 69
36 - 107
60 - 69
40 - 158
70 - 79
32 - 99
70 - 79
35 - 135
>80
33 - 90
>80 37 -
106
References
1) Barrett-Connor E, K-T Khaw, Yen SSC: A prospective
study of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, mortality, and cardiovascular disease.
N Engl J Med 1986;315:1519-1524
2) Regelson W, Lovia R, Kalimi M: Hormonal intervention:
"buffer hormones" or "state dependency". The role of
dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), thyroid hormone, estrogen and hypophysectomy in
aging. Ann NY Acad Sci 1988;521:260-273
3) Monroe S E, Menon K M J: Changes in reproductive
hormone secretion during the climacteric and postmenopausal periods. Clin Obstet
Gynecol 1977;20:113-122
4) Swinkels LM, Ross HA, Smals AG, Benraad TF: Concentrations of Total and Free Dehydroepiandrosterone in Plasma and Dehydroepiandrosterone in Saliva of Normal and Hirsute Women Under Basal Conditions and During Administration of Dexamethasone/Synthetic Corticotropin. Clin Chem 1990;36:2042-2046
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