DHEA Supplement Benefits, Side Effect and Information

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone found in the body. DHEA is produced in the adrenal gland, gonads, and brain. DHEA is a steroid hormone. DHEA and its metabolite dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate or DHEAS are the major steroidal products of the adrenal gland. It is important to know that levels of DHEA and DHEAS in the body decreases progressively from a peak at age 25 to less than 20 of that peak before the age of 70. Further, DHEA serum levels are typically low in chronic diseases such as cancer and AIDS.

Since levels of DHEA decrease as people get older, some researchers believe that restoring DHEA to higher levels may delay some of the effects of aging. However, the fact that young people have higher levels of DHEA than older people does not necessarily mean that supplementing DHEA will make people appear younger. In the last few years, DHEA has also been touted to increase the immune system's function and restore mental ability. It has also been studied for the treatment of conditions such as Addison's disease, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, depression, and Parkinson's disease. While research continues for several of these indications, no definitive results prove that DHEA is effective for these conditions.

The most advanced scientific research concerning DHEA has centered on treating systemic lupus erythematosus, an autoimmune disease of connective tissue. Symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus include arthritis, fever, and rash. Systemic lupus erythematosus can also affect the central nervous system and internal organs like the kidneys. Because DHEA has shown effectiveness when used in connection with systemic lupus erythematosus, a prescription form of DHEA may be close to approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use with this condition.

However, the truth is that little is known about how DHEA works in the human body. Additionally, DHEA may have different effects in men and women as certain stages in their lives.

Clinical Trials, Studies and Facts

  • One double blind study, as presented in a prospective on the treatment of erectile dysfunction using DHEA, indicated that supplementiing with DHEA may improve erectile dysfunction in some men. Study participants were given 50 mg of DHEA taken daily for six months.
  • Preliminary studies have indicated that individuals with Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may benefit from supplementing with 50 to 200 mg of DHEA daily.
  • Some clinical trials, but not all, have shown that DHEA supplementation lowers overall body fat mass.
  • Lower than normal levels of DHEA have been reported in elderly women suffering from depression. In one double-blind trial both male and female participants, after supplementing with 50 mg of DHEA daily for six month reported, a remarkable increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being. However, another report has associated severe depression to increased levels of DHEA.
  • Some reports suggest that DHEA may reduce the risk of heart disease and lower cholesterol levels. However, DHEA has also been reported to lower HDL (Good Cholesterol) and has been linked to certain cardiovascular risk factors in women. DHEA should not be used to protect against heart disease until further is known about this supplement.
  • Results of one double-blind trial, suggested that DHEA supplementation may reduce some of the adverse effects of aging. Trial participants were give 50 mg of DHEA daily for an entire year. An improvement in bone mineral loss as well as a significant increase in libido was seen in female participants. Increases in hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen, as well as improvement in skin condition was seen in all trial participants.
Dosage Information

Whether or not individuals should or should not supplement with DHEA is still very controversial. Some health professionals believe that daily intakes up to 15 mg of DHEA for women and 30 mg for men are adequate amounts for people with deficient blood levels of DHEA or DHEAS. A few suggest supplementation with as much as 50 mg per day in postmenopausal women, while others consider this level to be too much. Many doctors believe that individuals with perfect health and normal blood levels of DHEA or DHEAS should not take this hormone until more conclusive research has determined its effects. Individuals should consult a doctor to have DHEA levels monitored before and during supplementation.

Note: DHEA supplementation has been recommended to patients suffering from depression, autoimmune diseases, or other problems even if their blood levels are normal.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects of supplementing with large amounts of DHEA (50 to 200 mg per day) appear to include increased facial hair (in about 20), acne (in about 50) and increase perspiration (in about 10). Less common side effects, including weight gain, mood alteration, breast tenderness, headache, and menstrual irregularity in some women. In a few trials DHEA supplementation lead to increases in testosterone levels in both men and women. Increases in testosterone may increase the likelihood of some cancers.

Supporting Literature

Baulieu EE, Thomas G, Legrain S, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and aging: contribution of the DHEAge Study to a sociobiomedical issue. 2000;97:4279-4284.
Diamond P, Cusan L, Gomez J-L, et al. Metabolic effects of 12-month percutaneous dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. 1996;150:S43-50.
Jessee RL, Loesser K, Eich DM, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone inhibits human platelet aggregation in vitro and in vivo. Ann NY Acad Sci 1995;29:281-290.
Morales AJ, Nolan JJ, Nelson JC, et al. Effects of replacement dose of DHEA in men and women of advancing age. J Clin Endorcrionol Metab 1994;78. 1997;82:2263-2266.
Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology 1999;53:590-595.
Van Vollenhoven RF, Morabito LM, et al. Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with dehydroepiandrosterone: 50 patients treated up to 12 months. J Rheumatol 1998;25:285-289.
Weksler ME. Hormone replacement for men. Br Med J 1996;312:859-860.
Ebeling P, Koivisto VA. Physiological importance of dehydroepiandrosterone. Lancet 1994;343:1479-1481.