DHEA and autoimmune disease in women

[Zizzle]

Very interesting. I'm wondering if I should get my hormone levels checked, even though I have a predictable monthly cycle. Or if DHEA supplementation would be harmful when you have normal hormone levels.

http://www.celiac.com/articles/22644/1/ ... Page1.html

The sex hormone that is commonly low in such women is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This is a natural steroid and is produced by the adrenal glands, the reproductive organs and the brain. DHEA is used by the body to make the male and female hormones, testosterone and estrogen respectively, and is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. It has been proposed that a DHEA deficiency is a contributing factor in autoimmune diseases.

I do remember than long-term birth control pill usage has the ability to permanently alter your libido. Perhaps that means it permanently alters your sex hormone production??