depression from DHEA supps

[Liz118]

Hi everyone
I have adrenal fatigue and hashimoto's. My acth stim test showed that I was extremely DHEA depleted. Now I am taking supps for it and they make me feel depressed. Should I keep taking them? Does anyone else have this problem?

[rumpled]

DHEA is a precursor androgen - it does not stay as DHEA but converts to testosterone and estradiol. The low results should also trigger tests of those hormones as well to see if they are ok. As well, your adrenal function should be tested overall as there could be a defect. It could be a matter of replacing the DHEA, or it could be something else.

Sometimes you need very little DHEA anyway. I have no adrenals, no ovaries... and I take 25mg total to replace what my body needs. It is supposed to boost mood so the fact that your mood is impaired may mean you need further investigation.

Was the test done DHEA or DHEA sulfate? The sulfate test is the better test.

[margypops]

I felt jittery and nervous,  simply out of sorts, no major effects but not well.

[Liz118]

Thanks for the replies.
Margypops why couldn't you tolerate the dhea?
I am going to try and lower the dosage down to 5 mg for a while..

[margypops]

I couldnt get along with the DHEA supps I am taking Adrenal support Capsules and they make me feel okay and have helped me enormously.

[enzymelover]

How long have you been on the supplements? Your body might need a little time to adjust, since dhea is an adrenal hormone, and it interacts with other hormones. Of course, DHEA is touted to be a treatment for depression so maybe something else is being affected, such as blood sugar. You might try lowering the amount of the supplement to start with.
I have no personal experience with dhea, but if you are depleted in this, don't give up on the supplement just yet.