Cortisol and DHEA
Cortisol is another key hormone produced by the adrenal glands and must be properly balanced with DHEA to promote overall health. In addition to enhancing the body's natural resistance and endurance, cortisol:
- Stimulates the liver to convert amino acids into energy producing glucose.
- Fights allergies and inflammation.
- Helps regulate mood and promote emotional harmony.
- Stimulates glycogen production in the liver for glucose storage.
- Provides resistance to stressors such as infection, physical and emotional trauma, and temperature extremes.
- Promotes the use of fatty acids from fat cells as an energy source.
Among its benefits, DHEA:
- Functions as an androgen to promote tissue synthesis.
- Is a precursor to libido-related testosterone.
- Reverses immune system depression caused by high cortisol levels (see below) and thus increases resistance to allergies, bacteria, cancer, Candida albicans, parasites, and viruses.
- Stimulates bone deposition and development, preventing osteoporosis.
- Lowers LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.
- Decreases overall body fat while increasing muscle mass.
- Improves energy and vitality, sleep, and mental clarity.
- Reduces symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome.
- Helps the body recover from acute stresses associated with sleep deprivation, excessive exercise, and emotional trauma.
Excessive cortisol production can result in:
- Increased blood sugar from inefficient cell glucose use.
- Decreased protein synthesis ability.
- Increased protein breakdown, leading to muscle wasting and osteoporosis.
- Suppression of sex hormones.
- Increased risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and hypertension.
- Immune system depression.
Under normal circumstances, DHEA counters many of the effects of excess cortisol production. DHEA supplementation may be recommended for some menopausal women until the body is able to maintain proper balance on its own.
To encourage balance, women are often told to "think with your heart". This technique can naturally increase DHEA levels by altering the physiological and emotional responses to emotional stress. Strategies include shifting attention to a happy, funny, or mood-boosting events, persons, or places, thinking about a child or pet and the unconditional love or appreciation felt, and recognizing the innate ability to consciously shift out of a negative mood or space that induces stress.
For more information, see Low DHEA Levels under Related Problems, below.
