Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced mainly by the adrenal glands and acts as a building block for both androgens and estrogens. However, its benefits go well beyond hormone production.

DHEA supports:

• Hormone balance (testosterone and estrogen pathways)
• Immune regulation and anti-inflammatory signaling
• Brain function, mood, and memory
• Lean muscle mass and energy metabolism
• Stress protection by counterbalancing cortisol

DHEA peaks in early adulthood and gradually declines with age. In fact, by age 70, most people produce only 10–20% of their youthful levels. This drop can lead to fatigue, reduced motivation, immune dysregulation, and mood changes.

Standard blood tests offer limited insight into how DHEA behaves throughout the day. That’s why functional lab testing is often preferred, particularly using 24-hour urine panels or combined urine and saliva testing.

These methods reveal:

• Total DHEA and DHEA-S levels
• Conversion patterns into testosterone and estrogen
• Cortisol-to-DHEA ratios, helpful in stress and fatigue cases
• Estrogen metabolite activity, especially in women with hormone-related symptoms

By evaluating DHEA within this broader context, clinicians can personalize care more precisely. DHEA should not be evaluated in isolation—it must be considered within the context of adrenal rhythm, sex hormone status, and patient symptoms.

When should you test or consider supplementing DHEA? It may be appropriate in cases of:

• Fatigue or burnout
• Low libido in men or women
• Cognitive decline or mood changes
• Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions
• Poor muscle tone or metabolic slowdown
• Chronic stress or low cortisol states

Dr. Larsen offers key tips for supplementing DHEA safely and effectively:

• Use topical forms when possible, which often provide more stable absorption
• Start with a low dose (5–10 mg/day) and adjust based on testing
• Monitor downstream hormone effects, especially testosterone and estrogen
• Watch for side effects like acne or irritability, which can result from overdosing
• Evaluate DHEA as part of the full hormone picture, not in isolation

In other words, DHEA is powerful—but only when used with clinical insight and regular testing.

Meridian Valley Lab offers multiple profiles that include DHEA, allowing clinicians to evaluate it in the context of adrenal, sex hormone, and stress patterns.

• In-office testing available
• DIY collection kits shipped directly to patients

Recommended profiles:

• 24-Hour Urine Hormone Profile
• Adrenal Function Panels (urine or saliva)
• Hormone Cascade Mapping for complex cases

All profiles include a free physician consult to assist with interpretation and clinical strategy.

Practitioners: Evaluate DHEA alongside cortisol and sex hormone conversion to clarify fatigue, libido, mood, and immune patterns. Contact Client Services to order or discuss interpretation.

Patients: Ask your licensed provider whether DHEA testing may help clarify your hormone, energy, or stress-related concerns. Meridian Valley Lab provides laboratory services only and cannot advise patients directly.

Call: 855.405.8378 | 206.209.4200

For a complete list of peer-reviewed references used in this webinar and supporting DHEA research, please contact our team.