DHEA Sulfate

DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body. DHEA levels are high during youth and decline with aging, as it plays a crucial role in opposing the stress systems. DHEA is also a neurosteroid, improving cognitive function and supporting neuron growth and differentiation. DHEA supports mitochondrial function, keeping us energized from the food we eat. An overproduction of DHEA-S may indicate a compensatory mechanism to stress, while low levels can signify an impairment in its production process, potentially due to chronic stress. High-normal levels are associated with superior longevity and disease prevention.

Stress can be anything that interrupts the body’s homeostasis. This could be physical, emotional, psychological, infectious, among countless other contributors to systemic stress. Stress manifests through several different hormones, signaling molecules, and other processes that have numerous consequences on health. Stress tends to suppress the immune system, deplete nutrients, disrupt organ function, break down tissue, impair metabolism and ultimately contribute to intlammation and oxidative stress. All of these can result in symptoms, from fatigue and brain fog, to digestive issues, impairments in metabolism, and more. Periodic stress is normal and even healthful, but chronic stress plays a pivotal role in nearly every health issue.