DHEA and Seasonal Affective Disorder: Solutions to the Winter Blues

Seasonal depression, also known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD) or the winter blues, tends to worsen in the colder winter months. Shorter days offer less available sunlight, and temperatures drop, exacerbating making unpleasant to go outside. This is particularly relevant when considering the science behind SAD. In this article, we discuss how DHEA, sun light, vitamin D, sleep, and exercise play a part in managing SAD symptoms.

Could some simple lifestyle choices like getting outside in nature more, getting some exercise or prioritizing sleep significantly improve your health and mood? Yes.

There are two substances that fall into the category of “Fountain of Youth”. They are Vitamin D and DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone.

Both of these substances are large carbon chain molecules that are produced in the body from dietary cholesterol.

Vitamin D

Adequate levels of Vitamin D are important for bone strength, improved mood, physical performance, healthy immune function.

A deficiency of a particular kind of vitamin D, known as vitamin D3 can result in weight gain, depressed mood, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome,  joint degradation and diseases of aging like arthritis and hypertension.

Vitamin D is a steroid hormone made from cholesterol. When our skin is exposed to sunlight, cholesterol can be converted into Vitamin D3. However, during the winter months, many people do not get enough sunlight exposure, leading to potential deficiencies.

Food sources of vitamin D include egg yolk, fatty fish and beef liver. However, it is challenging to obtain adequate Vitamin D3 from food sources alone.

Vitamin D3 Supplementation is recommended, usually ranging from 2,000 IU to 5,000 IU daily. Additionally, supplementing with Vitamin K2 is advisable to prevent arterial calcification.

Regular testing of Vitamin D levels is recommended, with the goal of maintaining a level within the range of 50 – 80 ng/mL. At-home test kits are available online for convenience.

DHEA for SAD

DHEA, short for Dehydroepiandrosterone, is a precursor hormone synthesized from cholesterol. It is secreted by the adrenal glands and metabolized in the gonads and skin. A lab can cheaply and easily test your DHEA-S. DHEA sulphate is the lab test used as the measure for DHEA level.

DHEA is the most abundant foundation or base from which the body makes hormones.

Levels of DHEA peak between ages 20-25 and gradually decline thereafter, affecting bone density, muscle strength, and overall vitality. This decline can contribute to conditions like the side effects of menopause and mood-related issues, including seasonal affective disorder.

Hence, it is not unexpected to discover that many adults between the ages of 35 and 65 begin to lack drive and vitality and feel tired. Some people describe it as losing their focus and fitness. Unfortunately, many physicians prescribe antidepressant drugs without first offering more fundamental approaches like getting outside and getting some sun light, exercising, sleeping 6-8 hours, or DHEA cream.

When DHEA levels are low, the body has lower hormone metabolism. This can make you feel bloated, fatigued and stressed. Low DHEA  can weaken the immune system and make you more susceptible to colds and flu as well. Medical research studies show that study participants with low DHEA levels reported lower on the Hamilton Depression rating scale. Basically, low hormone levels have consistently been associated with feeling unhappy or sad. Hormones are the protein molecules that drive us. Hormones affect how we feel, how motivated we are, energy level, cognitive function and physical performance.

Quick Facts about DHEA for Mood Boost

• Most abundant prohormone in the body.
• For men and women alike, DHEA peaks by age 25, then declines annually at a rate of 2%.
• After age 35 hormones like DHEA, androgens, estrogens gradually decrease. Cortisol gradually increases.
• Multitude of benefits backed by scientific studies
• Skin benefits reflect overall youthfulness and health.
• More active when applied to the skin than when taken orally.
• Converted to other hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.
• Not addictive or habit-forming, available without a prescription.
• No dangerous side effects.
• Building block for hormones, sebum, collagen, cartilage, and more.

“We find DHEA to be an effective treatment for midlife-onset major and minor depression.” (PJ Schmidt, M.D. and RC Daly, M.D.)

Exercise & Sleep