What is DHEA Sulphate and why is it important?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced naturally in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps with the production of other hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen.
DHEA levels tend to peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age. It’s estimated that DHEA decreases by up to 80% throughout adulthood, with this decrease starting in the 30s.
DHEA is used in anti-aging therapies and to improve physical performance. It’s also used to treat depression and symptoms of the menopause.
What are the signs that your levels of DHEA Sulphate are too low?
Low levels of DHEA can cause a range of issues, including:
- Dehydration and salt cravings
- Dizziness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low libido
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Low levels of DHEA can be a sign of conditions such as:
- Addison disease, where the adrenal glands are not able to make enough of certain hormones
- Hypopituitarism, where the pituitary gland does not make enough pituitary hormones
What about high levels of DHEA sulphate?
If you have high levels of DHEA sulphate, it may mean suggest conditions such as:
- A tumour of the adrenal gland
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an inherited disorder of the adrenal glands
- Polycystic ovary syndrome
How does DHEA Sulphate impact testosterone?
DHEA is involved in the synthesis of testosterone and oestradiol in men and women. While DHEA is not as potent as testosterone, it has a vital role in men with low testosterone levels, maintaining levels of DHT in the prostate when testosterone production is low. If you’re experiencing signs of low testosterone, it’s worth considering your DHEA levels and how they could be impacting you.
Taking a look at your testosterone – look a little deeper
When looking indicators of your health and fitness, it’s always a good idea to get as much of a holistic view as you can, as there are so many elements which can influence how effectively our body is functioning.
And this is certainly the case when it comes to testosterone. Understanding the crucial elements linked to your testosterone levels can help you make the right dietary, supplement, and exercise-based choices for you.
What is zinc and why is it important?
From supporting cell function to influencing growth and development, the mineral zinc plays an important role in the function of your brain and your body.
The body doesn’t store zinc, so it’s important to make sure you’re getting enough through your diet in order to avoid a deficiency. The main role of zinc is to assist around 100 enzymes in the body perform their essential biochemical reactions, including:
- Boosting immune function
- Helping cells divide
- Helping wounds heal quickly
- Maintaining the sense of smell and taste
What are the signs of a zinc deficiency?
If you have a zinc deficiency, the signs will tend to show up in appetite loss, slow growth, and poor immune functions. In more severe cases, it can cause:
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- Lesions on the skin
- Lethargy
- Slow wound healing
- Unexplained weight loss
How does zinc impact testosterone?
As well as the symptoms mentioned above, men and boys with a zinc deficiency can also experience impotence and hypogonadism, when the body does not produce enough testosterone.
So, if you’re concerned about low testosterone levels and also recognise other symptoms in yourself, it could be the case that a zinc deficiency is the cause of the problem and, thankfully, is easy to remedy with supplements and some dietary changes.
Taking a look at your testosterone – look a little deeper
When looking indicators of your health and fitness, it’s always a good idea to get as much of a holistic view as you can, as there are so many elements which can influence how effectively our body is functioning.
And this is certainly the case when it comes to testosterone. Understanding the crucial elements linked to your testosterone levels can help you make the right dietary, supplement, and exercise-based choices for you.
