DHEA evelated- any info appreciated

mamacat01 · 06-26-2007, 08:49 PM

Hello, I'm new! Nice to meet all of you. I'm not sure if I have PCOS. Long story short I started suffering major panic attacks with OCD last year which went on and off. Skip until this year, it's been horrible. Always right around my period, I become suicidal, feel mentally insane, have massive panic attacks, my skin breaks out really bad, severe depression with crying spells... it's seem only around my period. It's about a week before and a week after it. It's been constant. I went to a Endo with whom I didn't connect with whatsoever, got all the results and decided not to go back to her and get another appt. I got all my test results faxed to me and my ATCH and DHEA-S are elevated. I am 30 and the DHEA was 402 (it said 325 was the normal range). I spoke briefly to my doctor who didn't want to provide any insight on DHEA levels and said I might have more tests to take. Is it possible I am suffering from PCOS? I just want to feel normal again. My heart has felt broken for over a year and I have a good life and a loving family and I feel so depressed. My period is next week and I can feel it starting again. Any info on DHEA and panic attacks and depression? When I spoke to my family doc she said the two had nothing to do with one another. I guess I was hoping for a medical explanation to why I have been so out of character. Anyone who knew me for years knows this is not like me. All these doctors want me on SSRIs. Also, my periods are regular, I have two kids and my mother was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer last year. Any help is greatly appreciated. I have an appt. with a new Endo this Thursday but feel like I have been stewing for answers for 2 weeks.

JenniK · 06-27-2007, 01:33 AM

I was diagnosed in february, but now the dr is thinking it is something to do with my adrenal glads becuase my DHEA levels have steadily been 2400. I think it is a good possibilty to look into.

mamacat01 · 06-27-2007, 02:59 PM

Thans for replying. From what I have read it can be the adrenal glands or a number of things. I guess I am just worried. I didn't get any answers from my regular doctor and I felt like she was keeping something horrible from me.

JenniK · 06-27-2007, 04:03 PM

My dr is very concerned because the DHEA levels are so HIGH! He said something about the adrenal glands, but was basically no help. This is my specialist. I am going to find another one who will treat me better. He snapped at my husband when he asked a question yesterday.

JenniK · 06-28-2007, 12:23 AM

Thank you so much. The dr does want a ctscan. I am calling tomorrow to make the appointment. My levels have been like this since June of last year, and he is just now telling me. He wants to see me back in 2 months. Seems like it should be sooner. An appointment in his office takes all day. I don't have all day to waste, I have other obligations. I am going on post to have the ct scan done, then finding another endo I think. I cannot find anything online about elavated levels. Thanks again.

JenniK · 06-28-2007, 12:24 AM

mamacat.. I am very interested in what your dr says tomorrow.

mamacat01 · 06-28-2007, 02:43 AM

I will let you know. Find a different Endo- the 1st one I saw I disliked. She ran the office out of converted garage at her house. It was strange. Then on the phone she only got 2 results in and wanted me to come in and I refused. I asked if there was a concern and she wouldn't tell me.

I have to admit I am feeling really nervous. I'm getting my weight in order and I do not want to hear tumors or cancer. I just feel sick to my stomach already.

JenniK · 06-28-2007, 09:52 AM

Just remember that it may be nothing at all. I have been very nervous myself as well. I am a military spouse, so I have to go on post for the ct scan. I hope your appointment goes well.

mamacat01 · 06-28-2007, 09:46 PM

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JenniK · 06-29-2007, 12:31 AM

Shot you an email.

Mommy2Drew · 06-30-2007, 12:10 AM

Hello........ me and my sister both have PCOS according to her endo there are 2 types ovarian based and adrenal based. We both also have elevated DHEA levels the DHEA S is normally lower than DHEA...... mine were almost 2000 for DHEA and 451 for DHEA S usually these levels are associated with adrenally based PCOS. Which it the one we both have. However you need more tests to make sure PCOS is the cause. Like testosterone, FSH, LH etc...... Hope this helps.

mamacat01 · 06-26-2008, 03:16 PM

Here I am, a year later....

I dismissed this all after two docs acted like the elevated DHEA-S was not a big deal. Then last week, I felt horrible... panic attacks, depression and a family member took me to her doctor who ran blood work and the DHEA now is 502. I went for ultrasounds today, pelvic, vaginal and adrenal and now I am just sitting here worrying.

All info in the net points to a adrenal tumor and I guess the cancerous ones produce horomones. I've been going nuts here. I am 31. I could get results from the hopsital tomorrow and my family warned me not to and let the doc tell me Tuesday but I can't do that,

My stress levels lately have been over the roof.

percysgirl · 06-26-2008, 07:24 PM

Hugs, mamacat. Please let us know what you find out. I'm possibly facing the same.

sapphirepl · 06-26-2008, 10:31 PM

Hi. I was actually going to start a thread about "elevated DHEA," when I found this one. I know how difficult it is to find anything on the web about it. It surprises me, mamacat, that your doctor told you that elevated DHEA has nothing to do with your panic attacks and depression. That is not the opinion of the two doctors whom I specifically asked about DHEA and my mood disorders. Also, based on the little I have found on the web, everyone who complains of elevated DHEA also seems to have something psychological going on. I found a very interesting post on here from awhile back, by kittykay, called "Dr. Ali's Actual Words About the Lard!" Lard to prevent hair growth??
It talks about stress and its effects on the adrenal glands. This particular article really seems to hit close to home for me. I'm sure your endo has ruled out NCAH and Cushing's disease, but you might want to ask just to be sure. Good luck, and be sure to keep us posted. I just moved out of state and it will be awhile before I get another doctor. I am very interested in what you find out. Keep being persistent and do continue to switch doctors if yours doesn't seem to want to answer your questions and work with you.

mamacat01 · 06-27-2008, 12:10 AM

I ended up going to the hospital to pick them up today. I knew they would ready before tomorrow and I jumped ship. My husband seemed irritated I want them, just like ALL my family and friends who cautioned me. I just wanted to know, it's my body.

My pelvic and vaginal ultrasound was perfect, no cysts, nothing. Then nothing showed on my left or right kidney but the note at the bottom of the papers said "The liver demonstrates diffuse increased echogenicity compatible diffuse fatty infiltration". Which isn't shocking, I'm pre-diabetic. I've gained 60 pounds in 10 years and my mother has diabetes type 2.

Right before my period hits and throughout it, I feel horrible. Crying, depression, panic attacks (feel like I am going crazy, will lose control), OCD instrusive thoughts about my kids, suicidal, etc. I have acne which I've had for years on my chin, back and breasts, my hair is thin (my mother's was very, thin, she wore this male pattern baldness wig thing for years)..I am not at that point at all but my hair has thinned a lot in 5 years, my period is so heavy the first and second day I have to wear black pants and change my tampon every hour... I mean is this PCOS?

I haven't been tested for CAH. And yes, the net seems to point to DHEA-S as increasing depression and anxiety but tell that to a doctor and say the word "internet" and suddenly you are some wack-a-doodle to them.

Thanks for the replies, I needed them...