When you hear the word “hormones,” you might think about things like mood swings or hot flashes. But did you know that one tiny hormone called DHEA plays a big role in how your body feels every day?
Let’s keep this super simple. In this post, we’ll explain:
- What DHEA is
- What happens when women have low DHEA
- The symptoms to look out for
- What it could mean for your bones, energy, and mood
- And how to check if your DHEA levels are low
This is all in plain, easy-to-understand language. No confusing words. No medical talk. Just helpful info for real women.
What Is DHEA?
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. That’s a long word, so we’ll just keep calling it DHEA.
It’s a hormone made naturally in your body. Your body uses DHEA to make other important hormones like estrogen and testosterone. These hormones affect everything from your energy and bones to your skin and sex drive.
When you’re young, your body has plenty of DHEA. But around age 30, those levels start to go down. And by the time you hit your 40s or 50s, DHEA levels may get quite low—especially in women.
What Causes DHEA Levels to Drop?
There are a few reasons why your body may have low DHEA:
- Age – This is the biggest reason. DHEA naturally drops after your 30s.
- Stress – Chronic stress can affect hormone balance.
- Certain medications – Drugs like insulin, steroids, painkillers, or hormone treatments can lower DHEA.
- Menopause – Hormone shifts during this time may lower DHEA levels too.
Even if you’re eating well and exercising, you might still feel “off” if your hormones are out of balance.
Symptoms of Low DHEA in Women
If your DHEA levels are low, your body may give you some signs. Here are the most common ones women notice:
- Tired all the time – Not just sleepy, but completely worn out.
- Low energy or stamina – Even light chores or walking feels hard.
- Low mood or depression – Feeling “blah” for no clear reason.
- Less muscle – Your body starts losing strength.
- Aching joints – Your knees, back, or fingers may hurt more.
- Low sex drive – You’re just not in the mood.
- Dry skin or eyes – You feel dry no matter how much water you drink.
- Forgetfulness – You keep losing your keys or forgetting appointments.
- Hard time losing weight – Even with effort, the scale won’t budge.
You might not have all of these symptoms, but even just a few can be frustrating.
How DHEA Affects Bone Health
One of the sneakiest ways low DHEA affects women is through bone loss. Here’s why:
DHEA helps your body make estrone, a type of estrogen. That estrogen helps your bones grow stronger by supporting “bone builder” cells called osteoblasts. But DHEA and vitamin D3 need to work together for this to happen.
If your DHEA is low, your bones might get weaker over time, especially after menopause. Some studies even show that higher DHEA levels = better bone strength in women over 50.
Even in animal studies, when rats were given DHEA after their ovaries were removed, their bones got stronger again.
What Happens If You Don’t Fix It?
Low DHEA won’t just go away on its own. If it stays low for too long, it could lead to:
- Weak bones (osteoporosis)
- Higher chances of injury
- Trouble with memory or mood
- Constant low energy
- Early signs of aging (dry skin, wrinkles, thinning hair)
You don’t need to panic. But you do need to pay attention.
What Can You Do About It?
If you have symptoms, the best step is to get a blood test called a DHEA-sulfate test. This will show if your levels are really low.
Important: Don’t take DHEA supplements on your own. You should only take them if your doctor says your levels are low.
Some people think “more is better,” but too much DHEA can cause other problems like hair growth, oily skin, or hormone imbalance.
Simple Lifestyle Tips to Support Healthy DHEA Levels
While supplements are one option, there are also some basic things you can do to support healthy hormones naturally:
Eat Well
Focus on whole foods. Eat good protein, healthy fats, and colorful fruits and veggies.
Sleep Enough
Your body makes hormones when you sleep. Try for at least 7–8 hours each night.
Get Moving
Exercise helps your body balance hormones. Even 30 minutes of walking helps.
Lower Stress
Stress throws your hormones off. Try deep breathing, gentle stretching, or a fun hobby.
Ask for Support
If you feel like your body isn’t acting “normal,” talk to a coach at Basics and Beyond fitness & nutrition. We offer help with fitness, nutrition, and hormone balance in a super friendly and simple way.
Is It Easy to Fix Low DHEA?
For some women, yes! Once you know what’s going on and get the right support, your energy, mood, and body can feel better again.
At Basics and Beyond fitness & nutrition, we’ve helped many women figure this out. Our goal is not just weight loss—it’s real health from the inside out.
Final Thoughts
Low DHEA in women isn’t something you hear about every day, but it’s a big deal. If you’ve been feeling tired, moody, weak, or just not like yourself, don’t ignore it. Your body might be trying to tell you something.
The good news? It’s fixable. With the right steps, you can feel stronger, happier, and healthier again.
At Basics and Beyond fitness & nutrition, we’re here to guide you—step by step. Whether it’s weight loss, hormone support, or just feeling good in your body again, we’ve got your back.