May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z Children's Health High DHEA levels in child
High DHEA levels in child |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: My 9yr old son had a blood test and we tested for hormone levels. His DHEA level was very high at 176, is this a cause for concern? He show no signs of early pubery, no hair, or deepening of the voice. He is a slightly overweight ( 5 ft and 100lbs ) and slightly enlarged in chest, was not sure if was fatty tissue or due to estrogen levels that is why we had blood work done. Seeing an endocronologist next week. Thanks. Dear Ken: I do understand your concern for raised DHEA level in your son. DHEA levels begins to rise af seven years of age and starts to decline after the 30s. Though unusual, natural DHEA overproduction in children is possible. Excess DHEA may present with signs such as growth of pubic hair at a younger age than normal. Increased DHEA may also be due to adrenal hyperplasia and adrenal tumors. Increased DHEA levels should be closely evaluated by your physician and possibly a specialist, such as an endocrinologist, to further examine the causes in your son`s particular case. |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 14 December 2011 ) |
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