Understanding DHEA Levels in Saliva: What's Normal?

DHEA is a hormone produced in the body throughout the human lifespan. Though DHEA production decreases naturally over the years, a significant imbalance of DHEA can result in adrenal fatigue. A healthy adult produces 25 mg of DHEA a day.

Significance

• DHEA is a hormone produced by the human body that affects everything from a person's metabolism to sex drive.

Effects

• Significant and unnatural decreases in DHEA result from poor nutrition and excessive stress. An imbalance of this hormone can lead to physical fatigue and mental depression.

Prevention/Solution

• Following a healthy diet as well as changing lifestyle patterns that may lead to undue mental stress is a way to restore balance to DHEA levels in your body. Under certain circumstances, hormonal supplements may be administered by a doctor to artificially restore your DHEA balance.

Time Frame

• DHEA production peaks in your twenties and steadily decreases as you age. However, outside factors may exhaust your body's normal production of this hormone.

Considerations

• Adrenal fatigue is common, especially in women. A DHEA saliva test administered by a doctor may reveal DHEA levels far below normal. Your doctor and nutritionist can aid you in taking steps to remedy adrenal fatigue.