DHEA: The Foundation Hormone for Energy, Resilience, and Longevity

In this episode of The Rare Wellness Podcast, Dr. Jamie Lewis is joined by Performance Medicine Nurse Jeralee Kidd to explore one of the most overlooked—but foundational—hormones in the body: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone).Often referred to as a “precursor hormone,” DHEA plays a critical role in supporting testosterone and estrogen production in both men and women. Yet as we age, DHEA levels steadily decline—often beginning as early as our 30s—contributing to fatigue, low mood, reduced resilience to stress, loss of lean muscle mass, brain fog, inflammation, and decreased libido.Dr. Lewis and Jeralee break down:What DHEA is and how it functions in the bodyWhy both men and women should have their levels evaluatedThe connection between DHEA, adrenal health, and chronic stressHow low DHEA can impact metabolism, muscle mass, immune function, and longevityWhen replacement may be appropriate—and why proper testing and medical supervision matterThey also explain how DHEA differs from testosterone therapy, why it’s commonly missed in routine labs, and how optimizing foundational hormones can dramatically improve quality of life and long-term health outcomes.If you’re in your 40s, 50s, or beyond—and feeling more tired, inflamed, or less resilient than you used to—this episode may connect some important dots.To learn more or schedule a comprehensive hormone evaluation, visit www.spokanehrt.com.