Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone. It is made in the adrenal gland. DHEA is responsible for the production of male and female sex hormones. DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease as we age.
This decrease in DHEA results in a decrease of IL-2 (Interleukin 2). IL-2 is a protein that acts as a signaling molecule in our immune system. It is vital for our immune system to react properly and timely to microbial infection. It also helps our immune system determine if the invading molecule is friend or foe.
Low levels of DHEA have been found in patients with:
● Rheumatoid arthritis
● Alzheimer’s disease
● Heart disease
● Diabetes
● Inflammation
● Immune disorders
● Osteoporosis
● Depression
● Hormonal disorders
● Systemic lupus
● HIV
● AIDS
Some doctors use DHEA blood levels as a diagnostic tool to evaluate aging of the immune system. Supplemental DHEA has restored patients to normal levels.
