Elderly show severe impairment of DHEA-S
Given the number of articles appearing related to the topic of adrenal function, a quick review is in order. The medulla (inside) of the adrenals produce epinephrine and norepinephrine…key players in the adrenaline response. The cortex (outside) produce three hormones from cholesterol…aldosterone (regulates blood pressure), cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) and DHEA (which goes on to ultimately become estrogen and testosterone). In the body’s initial response to stress, the body will produce more cortisol at the expense of DHEA (a phenomena known as pregnonolone steal…). Chronic stress will result in both lowered cortisol and DHEA…basically the adrenals “poop out.” All these levels are easily, safely and accurately measured with salivary testing. Synergy : Clinical Endocrinology 55 (2), 259-265
