DHEA is a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex and secreted primarily by the adrenal glands. The body uses cholesterol to produce DHEA, which the body can then convert into testosterone or estrogen. The hormone is at its highest in young adults in their mid 20s and decreases after age 30.

DHEA blood tests can tell you a lot about your overall health, as deficiencies in the hormone have been linked to cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, diabetes, obesity, multiple sclerosis, immune system disorders, Alzheimer's disease, depression, osteoporosis and Parkinson's disease. A lower-than-normal level of DHEA can also be a sign of premature aging, as DHEA production decreases with age. 

People with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease and AIDS usually have low levels of DHEA. Those who take certain medications, such as insulin, corticosteroids, danazol and opiates may have a DHEA deficiency. 

Supplements are available for individual with low levels of DHEA. It is important to keep levels up to improve skin health, decelerate bone loss, increase libido and manage the medical problems listed earlier. 

If DHEA levels are too high, the body will have higher than normal levels of estrogens and adrogens, putting it at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers like prostate, ovarian and breast cancers. Therefore those taking supplements should have their blood tested regularly.

Women especially should establish a baseline for their DHEA levels. DHEA levels can indicate if a person is showing significant signs of aging. It can also be used to diagnose and treat menopause and put women at ease knowing that their menopausal symptoms are just that and not a sign of something worse.