Why “Mother Hormones” Matter More Than You Think
I often get questions about DHEA—the so-called mother of all hormones and whether it’s worth considering for energy, stress relief, and hormone balance. Spoiler alert: yes, it absolutely is.
Let’s get something out of the way first. If you've never heard of DHEA, or you can't pronounce “dehydroepiandrosterone” (I can’t either without slowing down), don’t worry. That’s why we call it DHEA, and that’s what I’ll stick with here.
DHEA earned the title "mother hormone" because it’s a precursor—a building block to important sex hormones like estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone. That means your body can take DHEA and turn it into whatever hormone it needs most at the time. Think of it as nature’s own hormonal multitasker.
The DHEA-Cortisol Connection: A Natural Balancing Act
Here’s why this hormone matters so much. Over time, DHEA levels drop with age, and that decline is associated with some of the most common problems I see in my practice:
- Fatigue
- Insulin resistance
- Belly fat and weight gain
- Lower immunity
One major reason? DHEA directly impacts cortisol, the stress hormone. These two work in opposition. So, when DHEA goes up, cortisol comes down. And since cortisol is a major contributor to chronic inflammation, weight gain, poor sleep, and even heart disease, keeping it in check is essential.
Many people don’t realize this, but high cortisol is a huge roadblock to weight loss. I always say that supplementing with DHEA may not fix your stressful job or chaotic schedule, but it can help your body respond differently, by reducing cortisol’s grip and shifting your hormonal balance.
Living Through Chronic Stress: My Story
I’ve worked in healthcare long enough to understand chronic stress inside and out, personally and professionally. For years, I worked night shifts in the emergency department and ICU. I loved the calm energy of nights, my coworkers, and even sleeping during the day. But I didn’t love how exhausted, irritable, and emotionally drained I became.
The truth? Even when I switched to a daytime schedule, my stress didn’t magically disappear. Twelve-hour shifts often meant spending one of my precious four days off doing nothing but recovering. Sound familiar?
That’s why DHEA became such an essential part of my own wellness toolbox. Even when you can’t remove all your stressors (and most of us can’t), you can support your body’s ability to cope with and recover from stress. That’s the real gift of mother hormones like DHEA.
What DHEA Supplementation Can Do
Here’s what happens when your DHEA levels are healthy:
- Cortisol levels naturally lower
- Insulin resistance begins to decrease
- Fat storage (especially around your midsection) reduces
- Immune function strengthens
- Energy levels rise
- Your mood feels more stable and grounded
And unlike synthetic medications, DHEA is bio-identical to the hormone your body already makes, which means it's familiar, safe, and effective for most people when used correctly.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Any time we talk about hormone supplementation, especially the mother of all hormones, safety comes first. The good news is that DHEA has been extensively studied for over 40 years and is generally well tolerated.
That said, because it’s a hormone precursor, it can sometimes convert to excess testosterone or estrogen. For some women, this might lead to temporary side effects like acne or facial hair growth, usually from taking doses that are too high. The solution? Reduce the dosage, and those symptoms often resolve quickly.
I always advise starting with a low, high-quality DHEA supplement and adjusting only as needed based on how your body responds.
Why Hummingbird Healthcare Recommends DHEA
At Hummingbird Healthcare, I believe in addressing root causes—not just symptoms. When your cortisol is out of control or your hormone levels are depleted, your body can’t thrive. That’s why I include DHEA as a potential option in many of my personalized treatment plans.
While not everyone needs DHEA, many people over 35 benefit from supporting their adrenals, managing chronic stress, and building stronger hormonal foundations. It’s one of the most impactful—and underappreciated—tools I use in practice.
Want to Try DHEA?
If you’re curious about DHEA, or if you’re wondering whether supplementing with the mother hormone could help balance your stress, energy, or immune function, I’d love to talk.
Send me a direct message and I’ll walk you through a few quick questions about your health history. From there, I can recommend a trusted, medical-grade DHEA supplement and help you get started.
Because Feeling Better Shouldn’t Be a Mystery
You don’t have to wait until your next crash or burnout to feel better. With a little insight—and the right hormonal support—you can feel balanced, energized, and resilient again.
Your wellness starts now. Let’s talk about DHEA, the mother of all hormones.
