Re: DHEA and Addison's

[QUOTE=rwk] (I don't think I ever knew how DHEA is regulated -- I'd be curious if someone happens to know).[/QUOTE]

DHEA output is normally controlled by the pitutiary. It puts out ATCH which stimulates both cortisol and DHEA output from a small area above the kidneys. Those two hormones normally rise and fall together.

However, certain tumors can also create DHEA and those tumors don't respond to ATCH at all. I believe breast cancer can be associated with high levels of DHEA in the blood. I don't know what would cause high levels in urine and not the blood.