DHEA and Menopause
Supporting Your Stamina, Mood & Skin
DHEA and androstenedione are adrenal hormones that quietly influence your stamina, mood, and skin. During menopause, as your ovaries slow down their hormone production, your adrenal glands step up to help fill the gap. When they’re working well, they help you feel strong, emotionally balanced, and confident in your own skin.
When stress piles up, your adrenal glands can’t keep up. You might notice you’re more tired than usual, your mood feels off, or your skin looks dull. The good news? A few intentional lifestyle changes — like better rest, nourishing meals, and managing stress — can help your adrenals recover and restore that steady sense of vitality.
How You Might Feel
When adrenal androgens like DHEA decline, you may notice it in both your body and mood:
Low energy or stamina: Everyday tasks may take more effort than before.
Reduced libido or comfort with intimacy: Desire or response can change.
Mood shifts or irritability: You may feel more emotional, flat, or experience depression.
Fatigue or brain fog: Focus and motivation may feel harder to maintain.
Changes in skin texture: Your skin might feel drier or less elastic.
Everyone’s experience is different. You might notice several of these shifts or only one or two — or even none at all.
Lifestyle Strategies
Your adrenal glands respond to how you live, rest, and manage stress. Supporting them helps steady your hormones naturally.
Prioritize rest: Good sleep helps regulate all your hormones, including adrenal output.
Eat regularly: Skipping meals can raise cortisol and drain your energy. Aim for balanced meals with protein, healthy fats, and colorful vegetables.
Move mindfully: Moderate activity like walking, stretching, or yoga supports balance without overtaxing your body.
Manage stress: Calm routines — like journaling, deep breathing, or time outdoors — go a long way in supporting your adrenals.
Stay hydrated: Ensuring you drink enough water helps support organ function, aids digestion, regulates body temperature, and keeps your skin hydrated from within.
Medical Options
If testing shows low DHEA or adrenal fatigue, your provider may recommend:
DHEA supplements are taken only under medical supervision.
Lifestyle adjustments first, since restoring sleep, nutrition, and stress management often leads to the most significant improvements.
Closing Thoughts
Your adrenal hormones play a much bigger role in menopause than most people realize. DHEA and androstenedione help you maintain stamina, steadier moods, and the glow that comes from balanced health. When levels drop, it’s not just about fatigue — it’s about how your whole body adapts to change.
By protecting your adrenal health through rest, nutrition, and stress management, you’re not just supporting a single hormone — you’re strengthening your foundation. As you move through this transition, caring for your adrenals helps you feel more resilient, emotionally centered, and comfortable in your skin again.
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*Health and wellness coaches engage in evidence-based, client-centered processes that facilitate and empower clients to develop and achieve self-determined, health and wellness goals. We do not diagnose, interpret medical data, prescribe or de-prescribe, recommend supplements, provide nutrition consultation or create meal plans, provide exercise prescription or instruction, consult and advise, or provide psychological therapeutic interventions or treatment.
