High DHEA sulfate in males remains undetected until serious symptoms appear. Men experiencing low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, and unexplained fatigue rarely link these problems to elevated DHEA levels. Research reveals 33% of individuals with certain hormonal conditions show higher DHEA-S levels, directly connecting to other hormone imbalances.

Understanding what causes high DHEA sulfate in males is essential for effective treatment. The most common cause surprises many - Serious causes include adrenal tumors, congenital conditions, and stress responses. High DHEA symptoms in males require proper management to protect cardiovascular health, cognitive function, and overall well-being. This guide reveals warning signs that your doctor may have missed and provides steps to restore hormonal balance...

Got questions? Ask the author in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

What is DHEA Sulfate and Why It Matters in Men

DHEA Sulfate stands as the most abundant steroid hormone in human bodies, playing a crucial role in men's hormonal health. Understanding this powerful hormone helps identify when levels become problematic for optimal health.

The role of DHEA in male hormone balance

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal cortex, with smaller amounts also produced by the testes and brain [14]. As a precursor hormone, DHEA serves as the building block for the production of other hormones essential to male health. Your body converts DHEA into critical sex hormones, including testosterone and androstenedione [11].

For men, DHEA plays several vital functions:

• Supports the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty
• Maintains muscle mass and bone density
• Influences cognitive function and mood stability
• Contributes to healthy libido and sexual function

The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found that DHEA-S was the only hormone among 17 studied that inversely correlated with erectile dysfunction prevalence [13]. Men with erectile dysfunction showed significantly lower DHEA-S levels compared to age-matched controls without ED [13].

DHEA levels peak around age 20-30 and then gradually decline by approximately 10% per decade [13]. This natural decline contributes to many age-related changes men experience, especially since DHEA is essential for testosterone production...

Difference between DHEA and DHEA-S

While often discussed interchangeably, DHEA and DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) are distinct molecules with important differences. The primary distinction lies in structure—DHEA-S contains an additional sulfate group [15].

This structural difference creates significant functional variations:

1. Circulation levels: DHEA-S exists at approximately 250 times higher concentration than free DHEA in serum [13]. Approximately 98% of circulating DHEA is found in the sulfated form [15].
2. Stability: DHEA-S binds more strongly to albumin (its carrier protein), resulting in slower metabolic clearance [15]. DHEA-S has a longer half-life and doesn't exhibit the strong diurnal rhythm seen with DHEA [15].
3. Function: DHEA-S acts as a circulating storage pool, as steroid sulfatase can convert DHEA-S back to DHEA when needed [16]. Think of DHEA-S as your body's hormone reservoir.

DHEA-S provides a more stable index of adrenocortical activity and accumulated stress over time, whereas DHEA better reflects responses to acute stressors [15].

How DHEA-S levels are measured

Medical professionals typically measure DHEA-S through blood tests.

Normal DHEA-S ranges vary by age and sex, with men typically having higher levels [11]. Laboratories may use different techniques affecting results, so your doctor will likely use lab-specific normal value ranges when interpreting your test [11].

A DHEA-S test is particularly valuable when evaluating:

• Adrenal gland function
• Potential hormone imbalances
• Unexplained sexual dysfunction
• Symptoms of high DHEA in males

Monitoring DHEA-S levels offers valuable insights into male hormonal health, especially when symptoms suggest imbalances...

Early Warning Signs of High DHEA Sulfate in Males

High DHEA sulfate often produces clear warning signs in men. These symptoms signal hormonal imbalance and require prompt attention. Recognizing these early indicators helps prevent serious complications through timely treatment.

Low libido and erectile issues

High DHEA sulfate levels surprisingly decrease sexual function in men. The Massachusetts Male Aging Study found DHEA-S significantly correlates with erectile dysfunction [6]. Men with lower DHEA-S levels demonstrated better erectile function than those with elevated levels [6].

Clinical research confirms this relationship—serum DHEA-S levels directly correlate with International Index of Erectile Function scores [7]. Men typically experience:

• Difficulty maintaining erections
• Decreased sexual desire
• Reduced morning erections
• Sexual performance anxiety

Excessive DHEA disrupts testosterone-estrogen balance, creating these troubling sexual symptoms.

Unexplained fatigue and mood swings

High DHEA sulfate causes persistent fatigue unrelieved by rest [8]. Mood disturbances frequently accompany this exhaustion as key warning signs.

Depression may trigger poor DHEA regulation, creating a cycle between mood disorders and hormone imbalance [9]. DHEA exists as DHEA and DHEAS, with DHEAS being the bloodstream-measured form. While low levels typically cause depressed mood and fatigue [9], paradoxically, abnormally high levels produce identical symptoms.

Sleep problems worsen these issues, creating ongoing fatigue and mood instability [8].

Acne, oily skin, and hair loss

Excess DHEA quickly affects skin and hair. Acne on the back, chest, and face appears as an early visible indicator [8]. This happens as DHEA converts to testosterone and DHT, increasing oil production.

Men with early-onset androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness before 35) show elevated DHEA sulfate levels [10]. Research confirms men with early hair loss have increased DHEAS alongside poor gonadal steroidogenesis [10].

Oily skin typically accompanies these symptoms from overstimulated sebaceous glands [11].

Breast tissue development

Gynecomastia—benign male breast tissue enlargement—marks the most distressing sign of high DHEA-S [12]. This condition affects 32-65% of men over age 17 [13], causing a significant psychological impact.

Gynecomastia results from estrogen-androgen imbalance [12]. DHEA converts to estrogen, so elevated DHEA-S increases the estrogen-to-androgen ratio, promoting breast growth [14]. The condition appears as soft, disk-shaped enlargement (2-4 cm diameter) beneath the nipple [13].

Cognitive fog and memory issues

Research shows complex relationships between DHEA-S and cognitive function. The English Longitudinal Study of Aging, examining 5,061 older adults, found that higher DHEA-S levels were associated with better cognitive function in men after adjusting for covariates [15].

However, excess DHEA-S disrupts this balance. Men with high levels report:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Short-term memory lapses
• Mental cloudiness
• Reduced cognitive processing speed

These cognitive symptoms develop gradually and are often dismissed as normal aging, making them particularly dangerous signs of hormone imbalance.

Early detection enables proper testing and treatment, potentially preventing serious complications. Multiple symptoms warrant DHEA-S testing with your healthcare provider...

What Causes High DHEA Sulfate in Males

Several key factors trigger abnormally high DHEA sulfate levels in men. Identifying the underlying cause remains essential for effective treatment and management.

DHEA supplement overuse

The most common cause of elevated DHEA levels is the use of unnecessary or excessive DHEA supplements [16].

Adrenal tumors or overgrowth

Adrenal tumors, though rare, produce dramatically elevated DHEA-S levels [16]. High concentrations of DHEA/DHEAS appear more frequently in malignant (25%) than benign (3%) adrenal tumors [17]. For adrenocortical carcinomas, DHEA/DHEAS concentrations typically register either normal or above reference range in over 90% of cases [17]. Extremely high DHEA-S levels demand immediate investigation for possible adrenal tumors.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) encompasses genetic disorders affecting adrenal enzyme function. Genetic mutations disrupt enzymes responsible for producing glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and sex steroids [18]. The most common form—21-hydroxylase deficiency—accounts for approximately 95% of cases [18]. Patients with CAH show very high levels of DHEA/DHEAS, often 5-fold to 10-fold above normal [19]. Even milder, non-classic CAH appearing in late childhood or adulthood significantly elevates DHEA levels [16].

Chronic or acute stress

DHEA serves as a biomarker for stress, with opposite effects depending on duration. Acute stress causes short-term DHEA increases, with levels peaking after stressful events and returning to baseline within an hour [4]. Chronic stress eventually leads to a decrease in DHEA production [20]. Smoking was identified as the main factor responsible for high baseline DHEA levels [4]. The relationship between stress and DHEA production shows how lifestyle directly impacts hormone levels.

Certain medications and drugs

Multiple medications affect DHEA-S levels. Drugs that may increase DHEA-S include:

• Metformin
• Troglitazone
• Danazol
• Calcium channel blockers (diltiazem, amlodipine)
• Nicotine
• Neuroleptic drugs [21]

Understanding these causes helps determine appropriate treatment strategies. Addressing elevated DHEA-S levels requires a targeted approach specific to the underlying trigger.

Health Risks Linked to Elevated DHEA Levels

Elevated DHEA sulfate creates uncomfortable symptoms and poses serious long-term health risks. Men with chronically high levels face potentially life-threatening conditions that develop silently over time.

Increased cardiovascular risk

Research links low DHEA-S with cardiovascular problems, but extremely high levels create similar dangers. Studies show men with abnormally elevated DHEA-S face a 58% higher risk of fatal cardiovascular events and 42% increased risk of non-fatal cardiovascular events. Greater percentage decreases in DHEA-S over time are associated with a 94% higher risk of heart failure hospitalization in men.

Hormonal imbalances and estrogen dominance

High DHEA sulfate levels in males can lead to hormonal imbalance as the body converts excess DHEA into estrogens. This conversion causes:

• Increased estrogen levels create feminizing effects
• Disrupted testosterone-to-estrogen ratios
• Potential increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers

High DHEA may worsen existing psychiatric disorders and increase mania risk in those with mood disorders.

Early puberty in younger males

For younger males, elevated DHEA-S triggers precocious puberty—early development of secondary sexual characteristics before age 9. Male children with high levels experience premature development of pubic hair, underarm hair, and other puberty signs. This accelerated development affects both physical and psychological well-being...

Bone density and muscle mass changes

The relationship between DHEA and bone health is complex. While some studies suggest that DHEA replacement increases bone mineral density in certain populations, chronically high levels may have the opposite effect. DHEA affects bone mineral density differently between sexes; women experience modest benefits, while men show minimal changes.

For men with high DHEA, bone and muscle effects create particular concerns:

• Potential disturbances in normal muscle development
• Altered bone density patterns
• Impacts on overall body composition

Identifying and addressing high DHEA sulfate levels early helps prevent these serious health complications from developing or worsening.

How to Lower DHEA Sulfate Levels Safely

Managing elevated DHEA sulfate requires effective, science-backed approaches. Several practical strategies can normalize hormone levels without creating further imbalances.

Stop unprescribed DHEA supplements

If you're taking over-the-counter DHEA supplements, stop immediately.

Manage stress through lifestyle changes

Long-term psychosocial stress significantly lowers DHEA-S levels, creating a 23% difference between stressed and non-stressed individuals [29]. These stress management techniques help regulate hormone production:

• Practice meditation and mindfulness to reduce stress
• Engage in regular physical activity (150 minutes weekly)
• Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep nightly
• Try deep breathing exercises for nervous system balance

Review medications with your doctor

Certain medications affect DHEA-S levels, including antipsychotics, seizure medications, lithium, antidepressants, testosterone, sedatives, and bipolar medications [2]. Always consult your healthcare provider before stopping any prescribed medications contributing to elevated levels [3].

Adopt a hormone-friendly diet

Your eating habits directly impact hormone regulation. Essential dietary changes include:

• Fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants
• Limited processed foods and proper hydration

Managing your blood sugar levels plays a vital role in controlling DHEA. Eating balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables helps prevent blood sugar spikes that stress your adrenal glands.

Supplements that help with high DHEA-S

• Adequate vitamin D levels (optimal levels are 50+ng/mL)
• Magnesium for hormone production support
• Vitamin E (helps lower DHEA levels)
• Ashwagandha (helps lower cortisol and DHEA levels) [30]
• Saw palmetto (stops testosterone from converting to DHT)

Ashwagandha reduces enzyme production in individuals with adrenal hyperplasia, potentially balancing cortisol levels which affects DHEA [30].

Consider medical treatment if needed

Persistently high DHEA-S levels may require medical intervention. Treatment options include steroids, spironolactone, or anti-androgen medications [3]. Some studies show

Never self-treat serious hormonal imbalances—work with qualified healthcare providers for personalized treatment plans based on your specific situation...

Conclusion

Understanding high DHEA sulfate levels proves crucial for men with unexplained symptoms. This powerful hormone significantly affects male health when its levels become elevated. Recognizing early warning signs like reduced libido, fatigue, skin changes, gynecomastia, and cognitive issues allows timely intervention before serious complications develop.

Causes behind elevated DHEA-S vary widely. Supplement overuse remains the most common culprit, while adrenal tumors, congenital conditions, chronic stress, and certain medications contribute substantially. Each cause requires a personalized treatment approach.

Health risks associated with high DHEA-S levels demand immediate attention. Cardiovascular complications, hormonal imbalances, and bone density changes create long-term threats that develop silently over time. Men with chronically elevated levels face a 58% higher risk of fatal cardiovascular events – a statistic too significant to ignore.

Several effective strategies exist for normalizing DHEA-S levels. Discontinuing unprescribed supplements marks the first essential step for many men. Stress management techniques, medication reviews with healthcare providers, and hormone-friendly dietary changes offer natural approaches to restoring balance...

The journey toward hormonal equilibrium requires patience and professional guidance. Working with qualified healthcare providers ensures safe, effective treatment tailored to your specific situation. Hormonal health significantly impacts overall quality of life, making proper management of DHEA-S levels a worthwhile investment in long-term wellbeing...

FAQs

Q1. What are the common symptoms of high DHEA sulfate in men? Common symptoms include low libido, erectile issues, unexplained fatigue, mood swings, acne, oily skin, hair loss, breast tissue development, and cognitive fog. These symptoms can vary among individuals and may develop gradually over time.

Q2. Can DHEA supplements cause high DHEA sulfate levels? Yes, overuse of DHEA supplements is actually the most common cause of elevated DHEA sulfate levels in men. These supplements are unregulated and can quickly lead to hormonal imbalances due to imprecise dosing and individual variations in response.

Q3. How does high DHEA sulfate affect cardiovascular health in men? Men with abnormally elevated DHEA-S face a 58% higher risk of fatal cardiovascular events and a 42% increased risk of non-fatal cardiovascular events. This underscores the importance of monitoring and managing DHEA-S levels for heart health.

Q4. What lifestyle changes can help lower DHEA sulfate levels? Effective lifestyle changes include managing stress through meditation, regular physical activity, prioritizing quality sleep, and adopting a hormone-friendly diet rich in fruits, vegetables, omega-3 fatty acids, and adequate vitamin D. It's also crucial to stop taking unprescribed DHEA supplements.

Q5. When should I consult a doctor about high DHEA sulfate levels? You should consult a doctor if you experience multiple symptoms associated with high DHEA sulfate, such as persistent fatigue, mood swings, sexual dysfunction, or unexplained physical changes. Additionally, if you're taking DHEA supplements without medical supervision, it's important to discuss this with a healthcare provider.

Got questions? Ask the author in the comments section at the bottom of this page.

Dr. Peter Kassner, NMD - Biography

Dr. Peter Kassner, NMD, is the founding CEO of Health Natura, bringing 29 years of painstaking dedication to the field of naturopathic medicine. His journey in natural healing began in 1993 at the age of 17, when he embarked on his first apprenticeship before even completing high school...

Dr. Kassner established his first pain clinic, Clinical Therapeutics, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1996. This eventually evolved into Health Natura, LLC in 2005, reflecting his expanded mission to make Integrative Medicine accessible to those seeking alternatives to conventional treatments.

Throughout his clinical career, Dr. Kassner developed Unparalleled Expertise in immunology, cancer treatment protocols, acute and chronic infectious disease management, neuro-immunology, endocrine-immunology, thyroid iodine therapy, and Lyme disease interventions. His extensive training includes certifications in clinical massage, cranial sacral therapy, energy medicine, homeopathy, herbology, Chinese herbology, acupuncture, reflexology, EAV energy diagnostics, IV chelation, chemistry, and supplement compounding.

After obtaining both Masters and Doctoral degrees in Naturopathic Medicine, in 2005, dissatisfied with the state of commercial supplements, Dr. Kassner established Health Natura's first laboratory, specializing in Custom Compounding of preservative-free, excipient-free formulations with minimal ingredients. This commitment to purity and efficacy led him to retire from clinical practice in 2012 to focus entirely on Health Natura's supplement program.

Dr. Kassner's approach to naturopathic medicine has been profoundly shaped by his extensive travels throughout Western countries and Asia, where he studied diverse healing traditions. This global perspective informs his unique philosophy: delivering High-Quality, Personalized Wellness Solutions rather than mass-produced alternatives with compromised ingredients...

Today, Dr. Kassner continues to revolutionize the supplement industry through careful formulation and ethical sourcing, making Health Natura a trusted resource for those seeking superior natural health products.

* These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration). This product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. Statements of potential therapeutic value are the opinion of Dr. Kassner, ND, and are based on his personal and clinical experience. They should not be construed to endorse, condone or promote the use of any product as a medical treatment for any condition. Consult a medical professional before engaging in any self-care or nutritional supplement regimen to ensure safe and appropriate use. 

Dr. Kassner has been active in the field of alternative medicine since 1991. 

References

[1] - https://www.testing.com/tests/dheas/
[2] - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/22148-dheas-test-dhea-sulfate-test
[3] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6119841/
[4] - https://www.zrtlab.com/blog/archive/difference-dhea-dheas-brain-health/
[5] - https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2088870-overview
[6] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0009898113001939
[7] - https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-64339-3
[8] - https://menmd.com/dhea-and-mens-health/
[9] - https://www.bodylogicmd.com/hormones-for-men/dhea/
[10] - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-breakthrough-depression-solution/201107/is-your-depression-linked-low-dhea-levels
[11] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7037881/
[12] - https://www.webmd.com/diet/dhea-supplements
[13] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3987263/
[14] - https://journals.viamedica.pl/endokrynologia_polska/article/viewFile/25294/20123
[15] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279105/
[16] - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0306453020301219
[17] - https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/what-are-signs-of-elevated-dhea-hormone-in-men/?srsltid=AfmBOoouisrSYZp7D2ILlCpuxxl2GKCeVsQRucrbfJnd-agwHrm_88pR
[18] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3309444/
[19] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK448098/
[20] - https://endocrinology.testcatalog.org/show/DHEA_
[21] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8290065/
[22] - https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0072460
[23] - https://pediatric.testcatalog.org/show/DHES1
[24] - https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dhea-sulfate-test/
[25] - https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content?contenttypeid=167&contentid=dhea
[26] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3756071/
[27] - https://www.everlywell.com/blog/womens-health/dhea-sulfate-high-in-woman/?srsltid=AfmBOop8VdsMf-3fyb5FSOr8qi3M0-KXjbru_s_Ufu4HL456LhVNRZ9H
[28] - https://www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/what-are-signs-of-elevated-dhea-hormone-in-men/?srsltid=AfmBOorDqvc8HUK9RKS8DjSDsHSYS6fpTUYll9D1iIJaAZz2mjfR2zc5
[29] - https://poynorhealthnewyork.com/natural-treatments-for-elevated-dhea