Low DHEA/ low cortisol

With HPA axis dysfunction (imbalances in the hypothalamic-adrenal-pituitary axis) sometimes low levels of a hormone can have the same symptoms as high levels of the hormone. If you have very low cortisol, then your body may become very sensitive to the tiny surge of cortisol we all get first thing in the morning. This was my experience. Another possibility is that cortisol sometimes "fills in" for other hormones that are low, so you might have a technically normal amount of cortisol, but if it's being diverted to do estrogen's job (for example) because you have low estrogen, then you will have functionally low cortisol despite the in-range test result. HPA axis dysfunction is tricky.

Treatment is pretty general for the first few months, according to the LL functional medicine gynecologist who diagnosed me (loved her). The hormone systems are all connected, so tweaking one will change the balance of the whole system.

1. Reduce and manage stress. Genuinely. (As much as possible.) Reducing the strain on the nervous system will help to regulate which hormones are being produced and how well the body's hormone production signals function. Meditation, tapping, guided visualization, etc.
2. Safeguard sleep. Eight or more hours per night, quality sleep. Dark room, no noise, etc.
3. No stimulants, especially caffeine.
4. Movement. Restorative yoga, tai chi, qi gong, or other gentle exercise are important even for those of us with post-exertional malaise. Maybe walking, if you can manage it. Cardio or strenuous exercise are not good for folks with HPA axis issues.
5. Diet! No sugar or other inflammatory foods. No processed foods.

If those things don't help enough, then add herbs:
For cortisol issues, add adaptogens (ashwagandha, holy basil, eleuthero, rhodiola, etc.) very slowly until you find one that's helpful.
For pituitary hormone issues, add chaste tree (a.k.a. vitex).

If those don't help enough, then add:
Progesterone cream (like Karuna) for days 15-25 of your cycle.
DHEA (only if you have tested low).
Glandular supplements (such as Dr. Wilson's Adrenal Rebuilder)

After all that, you might consider bioidentical hormones, with the guidance of a functional medicine doctor who can help monitor how all the different hormones are interacting to the ones being added (they're all connected!).

Another thing that doesn't get discussed as much as it should in health conversations is sexuality. Feeling sexual - alone or with a partner - is good for reducing stress, circulation, regulating cortisol, and regulating pituitary hormones. If you can take a few minutes for yourself in this regard every now and then, it might have medicinal benefits!