From the Guidelines
Taking 25mg of DHEA daily may be safe for many adults, but it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider due to potential side effects and interactions, especially for individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions or those taking certain medications. DHEA is a hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen 1. The 25mg dose is on the lower end of commonly used supplemental doses, which typically range from 25-100mg daily. Potential side effects even at this lower dose can include acne, hair loss, stomach upset, and hormonal changes.
Key Considerations
- DHEA may not be appropriate if you have hormone-sensitive conditions like certain cancers, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have liver disease 1.
- The supplement may also interact with medications including insulin, antipsychotics, and hormone therapies.
- Blood tests to check your natural DHEA-S levels before supplementing can help determine if supplementation is appropriate for your specific situation.
- Vaginal DHEA has been shown to be effective at reducing dyspareunia in postmenopausal individuals, but safety data for the use of androgen-based therapy in survivors of hormonally mediated cancers are limited 1.
Recommendations
- Consult with a healthcare provider before starting DHEA supplementation to discuss potential benefits and risks.
- Monitor for side effects and adjust the dose or discontinue use as needed.
- Consider alternative treatments for sexual dysfunction, such as pelvic floor physical therapy, vaginal estrogen, or ospemifene, especially for survivors of estrogen-dependent cancers 1.
From the Research
Health Benefits of 25mg DHEA per Day
- Improved physical and psychological well-being, muscle strength, and bone density, as well as reduced body fat and age-related skin atrophy, have been reported in some studies 2.
- DHEA has been found to exert an immunomodulatory action, increasing the number of monocytes, T cells, and natural killer cells, which can help boost the immune system 2.
- In women, DHEA has been shown to improve sexual satisfaction, fertility, and age-related vaginal atrophy 2, 3.
- DHEA may also have beneficial effects on cardiovascular health, including anti-inflammatory, vasorelaxant, and anti-remodeling effects 2.
Health Risks of 25mg DHEA per Day
- Taking excessive doses of DHEA (25-50 mg daily for more than 3 months) has been linked to an increased incidence of cancer, including prostate, breast, colon, lung, and stomach cancer 4.
- High doses of DHEA can also lead to a decrease in normal cell telomere length and an increase in cancer cell telomere length, which can contribute to cancer development 4.
- Side effects of DHEA replacement therapy, particularly in women, can include increased sebum production, facial acne, and changes in hair status due to androgenic activity 3.
- DHEA may also have adverse effects on endocrine-dependent cancers, such as embryo virilization during pregnancy, and acne 5.
Optimal Dosing and Individual Variability
- The optimal dose of DHEA can vary greatly from person to person, and some studies suggest that lower doses (1.25-12.5 mg) may be more effective than higher doses (25-50 mg) 4.
- Individual factors, such as age, sex, and health status, can influence the response to DHEA supplementation, and more research is needed to determine the optimal dosing protocols for different populations 2, 3, 6.