Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an androgen precursor that can increase testosterone production, has been linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome. DHEA levels can be lowered through diet changes, exercise, stress relief with adaptogenic herbs like ginseng or ashwagandha and proper preventive health care services.
Naturopathic doctors frequently observe elevated DHEAS levels in female patients with PCOS on blood tests. This may result in symptoms like body hair growth, acne and other physical effects.
1. Eat a Healthy Diet
Diet is the key component to managing DHEA levels in PCOs. A balanced diet should consist of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats; sugar-free treats and processed foods must also be avoided for best results.
Stress can also contribute to higher DHEA levels, and can stem from various sources including emotional or physical trauma, weight gain and inactivity. Stressful situations may also inhibit exercise regiments which could contribute to its reduction.
Sleep well to regulate hormones, thus decreasing DHEA levels. Furthermore, drink plenty of water and limit alcohol intake.
If your DHEA levels have become elevated, it is vital that you seek medical advice immediately. A healthcare provider will be able to order blood or saliva samples and assess the cause for this increase before devising a plan that can help alleviate your symptoms.
2. Reduce Stress
DHEA can be converted to testosterone, leading to symptoms associated with PCOS. Therefore, it’s vitally important that stress levels are kept to an absolute minimum while eating a nutritious diet!
Sleep, eating a diet rich in vegetables and whole grains, avoiding added sugar, drinking less caffeine (especially later in the day) and exercising regularly are all great ways to help reduce stress levels. Furthermore, taking time out for self-care could also be a way of relieving tension: treat yourself occasionally by giving yourself something special like dessert or meeting up with friends for socialization purposes – journalling could also be used or advanced techniques like EMDR can be employed to work through emotional traumas.
Elevated DHEA levels are one of the hallmarks of PCOS, often caused by factors like PTSD, stress and adrenal dysfunction. A meta-analysis demonstrated that elevated DHEA is frequently present among women with PCOS and has been associated with symptoms like hyperandrogenemia and irregular menstrual cycles (8).
If your DHEA levels are low, this could indicate that the pituitary gland isn’t functioning correctly and needs additional support, such as vitamin B6 and magnesium supplements. In severe cases of adrenal gland insufficiency disease like Addison’s an alternative cortisol-modulating adaptogenic herb such as ashwagandha, rhodiola or schisandra may help DHEA levels to recover faster.
3. Exercise Regularly
Along with managing stress levels, regular exercise is one of the best natural ways to decrease DHEA naturally. Exercise may include yoga, walking, dancing, resistance training or running; find something enjoyable and consistent enough for long term. eating enough protein throughout the day (this will help stabilize hormones like estrogen and testosterone) will also be key; avoid skipping meals as this will cause blood sugar imbalances which drive DHEA up; also be sure to consume enough healthy fats such as olive oil, avocados nuts or seeds as these help regulate hormone regulation – these include olive oil, avocados nuts or seeds among many others!
4. Take Supplements
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEAS), is often present at elevated levels in women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. DHEA is produced both by adrenal glands and in small amounts by the ovaries, where it converts to androgens such as testosterone that cause symptoms in PCOS such as acne, hirsutism, alopecia (hair loss) and irregular periods.
PCOS causes DHEAS levels to be elevated due to various factors, including low progesterone and estrogen levels, high insulin, and excess testosterone production. DHEAS may also increase due to congenital adrenal hyperplasia or due to taking corticosteroid medication.
Good news is that lifestyle modifications such as making dietary changes, reducing stress levels and exercising regularly can significantly decrease insulin and thus DHEAS levels. Furthermore, eating adequate protein can balance hormones such as estrogen and progesterone while cutting out added sugars can prevent blood sugar imbalances that drive DHEA up.
Healthy fats found in fish, avocados, seeds, and olive oil may help to lower DHEAS as they regulate and absorb hormones within your body.
Stress relief and taking adaptogenic herbs that regulate internal cortisol production may also help restore DHEAS levels. Such herbs include ashwagandha, rhodiola and schisandra. If you suspect an elevated DHEAS levels, consult with a medical provider or naturopathic physician who will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored just to you.