From the Guidelines
DHEA therapy involves the supplementation of Dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone that serves as a precursor to sex hormones, and is primarily used to address declining DHEA levels in conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, with a recommended dose of 25 mg daily for women with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI) guided by serum DHEA sulphate levels 1.
Key Points
- DHEA therapy is used to replace adrenal androgen secretion in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency (PAI), particularly in women with severe androgen deficiency 1.
- The recommended dose of DHEA for women with PAI is 25 mg daily, guided by serum DHEA sulphate, androstenedione, and testosterone levels 1.
- DHEA therapy may also be considered for conditions such as age-related hormone decline, autoimmune disorders, and to potentially improve bone density, sexual function, and mood.
- Vaginal DHEA can be considered for vaginal dryness or pain with sexual activity, with studies showing its effectiveness in reducing dyspareunia in postmenopausal individuals 1.
- However, the safety of vaginal DHEA in survivors of hormonally mediated cancers is limited, and it should be used with caution in survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy 1.
Important Considerations
- Regular monitoring of serum DHEA sulphate levels is essential during DHEA therapy to maintain levels within the normal range 1.
- Blood tests to measure DHEA-S levels before and during treatment are recommended, and this therapy should be discussed with a healthcare provider, especially for people with hormone-sensitive conditions or those taking other medications.
- Side effects of DHEA therapy can include acne, hair growth, and hormonal fluctuations, particularly in women.
From the FDA Drug Label
INDICATIONS: Temporarily supports the body to rebalance Adrenal and DHEA output. Symptoms of imbalanced Adrenal and DHEA may include: low energy, depression, anxiety, dry eyes, skin, and hair, loss of head hair.
DHEA therapy is a treatment that temporarily supports the body to rebalance Adrenal and DHEA output. It is used to address symptoms such as:
- Low energy
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Dry eyes, skin, and hair
- Loss of head hair 2
From the Research
Definition of DHEA Therapy
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) therapy refers to the use of DHEA supplements to treat various health conditions, including adrenal insufficiency, menopausal symptoms, and sexual dysfunction.
- DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands.
- It serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
Uses of DHEA Therapy
DHEA therapy has been explored for its potential benefits in:
- Improving libido and wellbeing in postmenopausal women 3
- Treating adrenal insufficiency, where DHEA levels are deficient 4
- Enhancing physical and psychological wellbeing, muscle strength, and bone density in the elderly 5
- Alleviating menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness 6
Effects of DHEA Therapy
The effects of DHEA therapy vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. Some studies have reported:
- Improved sexual function and satisfaction in women with adrenal insufficiency 7
- Increased estrogen and testosterone levels in peri- and postmenopausal women 6
- Androgenic side effects, such as acne, in some individuals 6
- Potential benefits for bone health, metabolic function, and cardiovascular health 4, 5
Safety and Efficacy
The safety and efficacy of DHEA therapy are still being researched and debated.
- Some studies have raised concerns about the lack of safety data and inconsistent results 3
- Others have suggested that DHEA therapy may be beneficial for specific conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency 4
- Large-scale randomized controlled trials are needed to fully understand the effects and potential benefits of DHEA therapy 5, 6