DHEA C Hormone: Functions, The Norm In Women, The Reasons For The Increase

2024 Author: Rachel Wainwright | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 19:51

DHEA C hormone and its functions in the body

The content of the article:

1. Main functions
2. The norm in women
3. Reasons for increasing DHEA C
4. Video

The hormone DHEA S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHEAS) is a weak androgen, one of the male sex hormones. It is determined in the blood of both men and women, but in different quantities. The main site of synthesis is the adrenal glands (cortex). The substance is also produced in the ovaries / testes, but not more than 3-5% of the norm. It has a circadian (daily) type of production, that is, its maximum amount is found in the blood in the morning.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a steroid, one of the male sex hormones, which is also produced in the body of women

Main functions

The DHEAS hormone is responsible for the following functions in the body:

1. It is a precursor hormone, from which the main male (testosterone) and female (estrogen) sex hormones are subsequently formed.
2. Participates in the formation of secondary sexual characteristics (hair growth, adipose tissue deposition, voice and external genitalia changes).
3. During pregnancy, it stimulates the production of estrogen in the placenta.
4. Regulates sex drive.
5. Reduces blood cholesterol levels.
6. Changes the biochemical structure of the brain (affects mood and general well-being).
7. It has the opposite effect of cortisol, the stress hormone. Accordingly, an increase in it in the blood provides a way out of stressful conditions.
8. Regulates the work of the cardiovascular system (increases vascular tone).
9. Regulates the functions of the immune system (partial effect). There is evidence of the ability of this substance to prevent the development and division of cancer cells (or slow down).
10. Partially stimulates the work of the pituitary gland in the brain and stimulates the production of ACTH (regulate the work of all adrenal glands).
11. Slows down the aging process (anti-aging function).

The effect of this androgen on the body is less pronounced than that of other steroid hormones.

The norm in women

The rate of DHEA sulfate in women will depend on several indicators:

• age;
• cycle time;
• pregnancy.

In men, in the absence of concomitant diseases (Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome), the indicator does not change the values.

The analysis is best done in the middle of the cycle (10-12th day).

Age	Lower limit (μmol / l)	Upper limit (μmol / l)
Up to 5 years	Has no diagnostic value
From 5 to 10 years old	0.25	1.6
From 10 to 15 years old (puberty, establishment of the menstrual cycle)	1.0	9.2
15 to 30 (puberty)	2.5	14.5
30 to 50 (period of extinction of sexual functions)	1.8	10.0
Over 50 (beginning of menopause)	0.95	3.4
Over 60 (prolonged menopause)	0.08	3.6

* Dehydroepiandrosterone levels will depend on specific reagents. Blood testing systems may differ from laboratory to laboratory. Therefore, if it is necessary to retest it, it is better to carry out it in the same laboratory.

Indicators can also be presented in μg / dl:

Age	Values from (μg / dL)	Values up to (μg / dL)
Up to 5 years	Has no diagnostic value
From 5 to 10 years old	2.7	86.0
From 10 to 15 years old (puberty, establishment of the menstrual cycle)	33.0	280.0
15 to 20 (puberty)	65.0	370.0
21 to 25 (puberty)	149.0	408.0
26 to 35 (puberty)	100.0	340.0
From 36 to 44 (period of extinction of sexual functions)	60.0	340.0
44 to 55 (menopause)	36.0	250.0
Over 55 (onset of menopause)	19.0	200.0
Over 60 (prolonged menopause)	10.0	155.0

The concentration of the hormone DHEA C is of particular importance in pregnant women. Its increase can provoke spontaneous abortion.

Term	Values from (μmol / l)	Values up to (μmol / l)
First trimester	3.13	12.5
Second trimester	1.8	7.2
Last trimester	0.9	3.5

The blood test is carried out using an immunochemiluminescent assay. For research, blood serum (from a vein) is used. In the first year of life, the level is very high, stabilizing by 3-4 years. In youth, the required amount of hormones is produced in the body and does not require additional introduction from the outside.

Indications for analysis:

• check of the adrenal glands (suspected tumor);
• infertility or as preparation for IVF;
• other gynecological diseases (cyst, amenorrhea);
• diseases of the endocrine system (premature puberty, hirsutism);
• suspected miscarriage (pain, spotting in early pregnancy).

The analysis is carried out as an addition to the basic diagnostic schemes (for each individual disease). Can serve for the differential diagnosis of premature puberty (pathological and physiological).

Reasons for increasing DHEA C

There are the following reasons for an increase in the hormone in the blood:

1. Itsenko-Cushing's disease and syndrome.
2. Suspected placental abruption or failure. During pregnancy, the placenta is an organ that stimulates the production of DHEA C and subsequently controls estrogens.
3. Any malignant or benign diseases of the abdominal and retroperitoneal organs (kidneys, intestines).
4. Diseases of the pelvic organs - ovaries, bladder. Simultaneous mechanical compression and disruption at the hormonal level.
5. Adrenogenital syndrome is a disease associated with a violation of the synthesizing function of the adrenal glands (a significant increase in male sex hormones in the blood).

Factors affecting blood levels (both increase and decrease):

• decreased immunity and autoimmune reactions;
• chronic sources of infection and prolonged absence of treatment;
• hereditary predisposition (a defect in the gene encoding the synthesis of DHEA C);
• taking hormonal drugs;
• physical and emotional stress (overwork, stress);
• smoking, alcohol abuse.

Symptoms will depend on the specific cause of the condition. Depending on this, the doctor prescribes an appropriate course of treatment. Specialists for consultation:

• gynecologist;
• endocrinologist;
• oncologist / oncosurgeon;
• general surgeon (if you suspect a bowel tumor).

If a disease is detected, a long course of therapy is indicated (in severe cases, life-long).

Video

We offer for viewing a video on the topic of the article.

Anna Kozlova Medical journalist About the author

Education: Rostov State Medical University, specialty "General Medicine".

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