What are the treatment options for low Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate levels?

From the Guidelines

Low DHEA sulfate levels should be treated with oral DHEA tablets, typically 25 mg as a single daily dose, guided by serum DHEA sulphate levels, to alleviate symptoms such as lack of libido and low energy levels in female patients. This approach is based on the consensus statement on the diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of patients with primary adrenal insufficiency, as outlined in the Journal of Internal Medicine in 2014 1. The treatment should be offered to female patients with persistent symptoms despite optimized glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement, and its effectiveness should be evaluated after a 6-month trial. Some key points to consider when treating low DHEA sulfate levels include:

• Monitoring serum DHEA sulphate, androstenedione, and testosterone levels to guide treatment and maintain them within the normal range
• Starting with a dose of 25 mg daily and adjusting as needed, with a range of 10-50 mg daily
• Considering the potential benefits and risks of DHEA replacement therapy, including the lack of long-term data on its effects in patients with primary adrenal insufficiency, as noted in the study 1
• Regularly assessing the patient's symptoms and adjusting the treatment regimen accordingly, to ensure the best possible outcome in terms of morbidity, mortality, and quality of life.

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. HOMEOPATHIC ORGANOTHERAPY Adrenal and DHEA proBLEN 1 FL OZ (30 ML)

The treatment options for low Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate levels may include:

• DHEA supplementation: Temporarily supporting the body to rebalance Adrenal and DHEA output with DHEA (PO) 2
• Homeopathic organotherapy: Using Adrenal and DHEA proBLEN 1 FL OZ (30 ML) 2 Key words: DHEA sulfate levels, treatment options, DHEA supplementation, homeopathic organotherapy.

From the Research

Treatment Options for Low DHEA Sulfate Levels

Low Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) sulfate levels can be treated with DHEA replacement therapy. The following are some key points to consider:

• DHEA replacement therapy has been shown to have beneficial effects on health perception, vitality, fatigue, and sexuality in women with adrenal insufficiency 3, 4, 5.
• A daily dose of 25-50 mg of DHEA can increase plasma levels of DHEAS to normal ranges and improve psychological parameters such as mood, fatigue, and general well-being 3, 4.
• DHEA replacement therapy may also improve physical and psychological well-being, muscle strength, and bone density, and reduce body fat and age-related skin atrophy 6, 7.
• The treatment consists of a single oral dose of DHEA in the morning, and side effects are mostly mild and related to androgenic activity of DHEA in women, including increased sebum production, facial acne, and changes in hair status 3, 4.

Benefits of DHEA Replacement Therapy

The benefits of DHEA replacement therapy include:

• Improved well-being and sexuality in women with adrenal insufficiency 5
• Increased androgen synthesis and improved cognitive function 6, 7
• Improved physical and psychological well-being, muscle strength, and bone density 6, 7
• Reduced body fat and age-related skin atrophy 6, 7

Important Considerations

It is essential to note that:

• Not all investigators have found effects of DHEA on well-being, likely due to small sample size and short duration of treatment 3.
• Large trials for 12-24 months are still needed to fully explore the role of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency 3.
• DHEA replacement therapy should only be considered in individual patients with adrenal insufficiency and impaired well-being, under the guidance of a healthcare professional 3, 4.