DHEA

Ashwagandha reduces elevated DHEA back toward normal, signaling the body's return from a stress state. DHEA levels can be increased without supplementation through exercise, fasting, and calorie restriction. The recommended starting dose for women is 10–30 mg/day because excess DHEA converts to androgens, causing acne, oily skin, and unwanted hair growth. DHEA doses should not exceed 10–15 mg to avoid unwanted androgenic effects, since DHEA also raises testosterone. A blood test is recommended before supplementing with DHEA to assess baseline levels. The subject's DHEA value is interpreted as low-end within the stated range. DHEA levels can fall 70–80% compared to youthful peaks, impairing both estrogen and androgen production simultaneously. DHEA is a steroid hormone precursor that is not itself a primary sex hormone but sits upstream of estrogens, androgens, and other steroid hormones. DHEA is a steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to cortisol and other hormones. DHEA is presented as an adrenal-derived precursor that can contribute to androgen and sex hormone production. DHEA rises during stress alongside cortisol, making elevated DHEA a marker of an active stress state. L…