From the Guidelines
DHEA is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, functioning as a precursor to sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen, with its levels peaking in early adulthood and declining with age. The function of DHEA includes supporting immune function, influencing energy levels, and potentially affecting body composition and bone density 1. Some of the key points about DHEA include:
- It is produced by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts made in the gonads and brain
- DHEA serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones
- Its levels naturally peak in early adulthood and then decline with age
- The body utilizes DHEA to produce other hormones, support immune function, and potentially influence energy and body composition
- As a steroid hormone, DHEA plays a role in metabolism, inflammation response, and maintaining bone density
- DHEA is produced from cholesterol through enzymatic reactions in the adrenal glands
- Supplementation with DHEA is available but its effectiveness and safety, especially for anti-aging or medical conditions, are controversial and should be discussed with a healthcare provider 1. In patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), DHEA replacement therapy may be considered, particularly for female patients with persistent lack of libido and/or low energy levels, using oral DHEA tablets (10–50 mg), often 25 mg as a single daily dose guided by serum DHEA sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione, and testosterone levels 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
What is DHEA
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone secreted primarily by the adrenal glands and to a lesser extent by the brain, skin, testes, and ovaries 2
- It is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans and can be converted into other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone 2
- DHEA has been characterized as a pleiotropic "buffer hormone," with receptor sites in the liver, kidney, and testes, and has a key role in a wide range of physiological responses 2
Function of DHEA
- DHEA exerts an immunomodulatory action, increasing the number of monocytes, T cells expressing T-cell receptor gamma/delta (TCRγδ) and natural killer (NK) cells 3
- It improves physical and psychological well-being, muscle strength and bone density, and reduces body fat and age-related skin atrophy stimulating procollagen/sebum production 3
- DHEA modulates cardiovascular signalling pathways and exerts an anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant and anti-remodelling effect 3
- It has neuroprotective, pro-cognitive, anxiolytic, and antidepressant effects, making it a potential pharmacological agent for various clinical entities, including CNS disorders 4
Source of DHEA
- DHEA is secreted in large amounts by the adrenals in humans and other primates, but not in lower species 5
- The decline in DHEA production is the most characteristic age-related change in the adrenal cortex, known as 'adrenopause' 6
- DHEA can also be produced locally in peripheral tissues from DHEA, which indirectly exerts effects on various physiological processes, including bone formation, adiposity, muscle, insulin and glucose metabolism, skin, libido and well-being 5
Potential Therapeutic Applications
- DHEA therapy seems to be effective in treating patients with adrenal insufficiency and systemic lupus erythematosus 3, 6
- Clinical studies investigating the potential efficacy of DHEA therapy in multiple other disorders (Alzheimer disease, depression, cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, sexual dysfunctions) have not provided consistent results 3, 6
- Evidence from clinical studies supports the use of DHEA in hypoadrenal individuals and in treating depression and associated cognitive disorders 4