
The Impact of Adrenal Health and DHEA on Your Well-Being
A poorly functioning adrenal gland triggers a cascade of health challenges, often referred to as “adrenal fatigue.” If you’re experiencing fatigue, poor fitness, low libido, premature aging, or changes in hair and skin, your adrenal health and its production of DHEA might play a crucial role.
Understanding Adrenal Fatigue and DHEA
The adrenal gland manages the body’s response to stress and toxins. We often hear of cortisol, but there are other hormones made by the important adrenal gland. When overwhelmed, it struggles to maintain balance, leading to widespread health issues. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a vital hormone produced by the adrenal gland, serves as a steroid precursor that supports overall health. Proper DHEA levels are essential for maintaining balance, yet they are often overlooked in fatigue assessments.
Low DHEA levels impact multiple systems, including:
- Genitourinary: Vaginal dryness and irritation.
- Skeleton: Bone density issues.
- Vasomotor: Hot flashes and temperature regulation problems.
- Cardiovascular: Heart health and circulation.
- Skin and Hair: Dryness, loss of elasticity, hair thinning, and graying.
Hair Loss and DHEA Imbalance
Hair loss provides a visible clue to adrenal and hormonal imbalances:
- Too much DHEA, as seen in conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), may trigger hair loss.
- Too little DHEA, often linked to adrenal fatigue, results in thinning or loss of hair, including pubic and underarm hair.
Changes in pubic and underarm hair often stem from hormonal shifts related to DHEA. If you’re noticing hair loss in these areas, it may signal adrenal dysfunction even before other symptoms like vaginal atrophy (VVA) appear.
Other Signs of Adrenal Dysfunction
Adrenal and DHEA imbalances manifest in various ways:
- Breast Changes: Sagging, discomfort, enlargement, or other structural changes.
- Fatigue and Weight Gain: A hallmark of adrenal stress.
- Premature Aging: Wrinkles, loss of skin elasticity, and graying hair.
While stress and age often contribute to graying hair, hair loss more commonly signals adrenal stress or other hormonal imbalances. Blood tests offer a simple way to assess DHEA levels and evaluate adrenal function.
Take Action
Don’t ignore symptoms of fatigue, hair loss, or changes in skin, weight, or libido. Schedule a consultation to discuss comprehensive testing and potential therapies. Our approach considers hormonal balance, stress management, and lifestyle adjustments to support adrenal health and restore vitality.
Call us today at 217-356-3736 to schedule your appointment and begin your journey to better health.