hCG drops raising DHEA levels?

[Gently.me]

Hey guys. I have a friend who was taking hCG drops daily for about 2 weeks, then stopped. She lost quite a bit of weight. Her doctor ran some tests, and they called her with results stating that her DHEA levels were twice the normal level. I am not a big fan of coincidences, but could her taking hCG affect that level?

Can anyone help me understand these hormones. I have googled, looked in nursing books, etc and I think I have overused my brain to the point where everything is confusing and nothing makes sense. I am hoping someone can explain what these hormones do in a way that is easy to understand for my burnt out brain. Thanks!!

[SabrinaN.RN]

I found this on MayoClinic's website....hope this helps...probably will just get you digging further!

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an endogenous hormone (made in the human body), and secreted by the adrenal gland. DHEA serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, and are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically ill. DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol.

There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus.

No studies on the long-term effects of DHEA have been conducted. DHEA can cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, and theoretically may increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use without supervision by a licensed health professional.

[diva rn, BSN, RN]

This is just a supposition but since raised DHEA levels have been reported in people with anorexia-that could be your link...the HCG diet is ulta low calorie...so I doubt that the actual HCG is the culprit...it's more likely the low, low calorie diet that goes along with it. I believe it is somewhere in the 550 calorie a day range. So following it for several weeks would be construed as anorexia and the body's chemistry would begin to adjust and react accordingly.