When Trying to Fix One Hormone Messes Up Another

For the longest time, I felt off - like my body was working against me instead of with me. The weight gain, the bloating, the fatigue - I tried to push through, blaming it on age, stress, or just bad luck. But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right.

When I finally got my hormones tested, the results were a shock: my DHEA-S and testosterone were extremely low, while my estrogen was running the show. It finally made sense why I felt so sluggish, struggled to build muscle, had zero motivation, and had brain fog that wouldn’t let up.

So, like many women in perimenopause, I did what seemed logical: I tried supplementing with DHEA.

What I Didn’t Realize About DHEA and Estrogen Dominance

DHEA is often praised as the “anti-aging” hormone because it supports energy, metabolism, and muscle growth. When I saw my levels were rock bottom, I assumed supplementing with it would be the magic fix I needed.

But here’s the catch: DHEA can convert into both testosterone and estrogen.

And for someone like me - already dealing with estrogen dominance - that meant my symptoms got worse instead of better. Because for me, of course, it started to convert to more estrogen and not testosterone ;).

• I became more bloated than ever.

• My mood swings intensified - one minute I felt fine, the next I was snapping at everyone.

• My breasts felt swollen and tender 24/7.

• The hives that I was already struggling with flared up even more.

I had tried to fix one issue, only to make another one worse.

Why I Switched to 7-Keto DHEA Instead

That’s when my new NP mentioned 7-Keto DHEA. Unlike regular DHEA, 7-Keto doesn’t convert into estrogen or testosterone. Instead, it helps with:

✅ Boosting metabolism without messing with other hormones ✅ Supporting energy levels so I don’t feel drained all the time ✅ Helping with fat loss in a way that feels natural, not forced

Since switching, I’ve noticed a huge difference. I feel lighter, my bloating has improved, and I’m no longer dealing with the estrogen spikes that made me feel like I was losing my mind.

What I’ve Learned (and What I’d Tell Anyone in My Shoes)

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned on this hormone journey? More isn’t always better. Just because something works for someone else doesn’t mean it’s the right fit for you.

That’s why I always recommend getting your hormones tested and working with a doctor or practitioner before adding any supplements. What works for one woman in perimenopause may completely backfire for another.

If you’re struggling with estrogen dominance and considering DHEA, 7-Keto might be a better fit - but always check with your healthcare provider first.

You’re Not Crazy, and You’re Not Alone

If you’ve ever tried something that was supposed to help and ended up feeling worse, trust me - I’ve been there. But the good news? There are solutions. Sometimes it just takes a little trial and error (and a lot of patience) to find what works for your body.