From the Guidelines
DHEA is not recommended as a primary treatment for alleviating nocturnal hyperhidrosis (night sweats) in women, as there is limited evidence supporting its effectiveness for this specific condition. The provided evidence primarily discusses the use of DHEA for vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women, particularly in the context of cancer survivorship 1. While DHEA may have some benefits for sexual health, its role in addressing night sweats is not well-established.
When considering treatments for night sweats, it is essential to prioritize evidence-based therapies that directly address the underlying causes of this symptom. In the context of menopause or perimenopause, hormonal therapies such as estrogen replacement may be more effective in managing night sweats, but these should be discussed with a healthcare provider due to their potential risks and benefits 1.
Key points to consider:
- DHEA's primary use is for vaginal dryness and sexual dysfunction, not night sweats.
- The evidence for DHEA's effectiveness in reducing night sweats is limited and indirect.
- Other treatments, such as hormonal therapies, may be more appropriate for managing night sweats, depending on the underlying cause.
- Consultation with a healthcare provider is crucial to determine the best course of treatment for night sweats, considering individual health status and medical history.
From the Research
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Nocturnal Hyperhidrosis
- The role of DHEA in alleviating nocturnal hyperhidrosis (night sweats) in women is not directly addressed in the provided studies.
- However, a study on DHEA for women in the peri- or postmenopausal phase 2 found that DHEA may slightly improve sexual function compared to placebo, but its effect on menopausal symptoms, including night sweats, is unclear due to inconsistent results from trials.
- Other studies focused on different interventions for menopausal symptoms, such as exercise 3, black cohosh 4, and bioidentical hormones 5, but did not specifically investigate DHEA's impact on night sweats.
- A more recent study on oral micronized progesterone for perimenopausal night sweats and hot flushes 6 found that participants perceived a decrease in night sweats and improvement in sleep quality, but this study did not involve DHEA.
Menopausal Symptoms and Interventions
- Menopausal symptoms, including hot flushes and night sweats, can be alleviated by various interventions, but the effectiveness of these interventions can vary 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Hormone therapy, including bioidentical hormones, has been shown to be effective in reducing vasomotor symptoms, but its safety and long-term effects are still being studied 5.
- Alternative interventions, such as black cohosh and exercise, have shown inconsistent results in reducing menopausal symptoms 3, 4.
- Oral micronized progesterone has been found to improve sleep quality and decrease perceived night sweats in perimenopausal women, but its effect on hot flushes is less clear 6.