DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is converted by the body into the hormones testosterone and estrogen.
DHEA production generally peaks in people in their mid-20’s and gradually declines with age.
Scientific studies on DHEA have shown it may possibly be effective for:
- Alzheimer's disease
- Sexual arousal disorder
- Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s disease)
- Depression
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Weight loss/obesity
- Osteoporosis
- Crohn’s disease
- Infertility
- Menopause
- Vaginal atrophy (postmenopausal)
- Menopausal hot flashes
- To help induce labor in childbirth
What Are Other Potential Uses for DHEA?
DHEA has also been promoted as a remedy for:
- Cognitive disorders
- Erectile dysfunction
- Slowing/reversing aging
- As an immunostimulant
- Muscle strength
- Athletes have been known to use DHEA due to claims it can enhance muscle strength, however, these claims have not been proven
- Use of DHEA is banned by several sports organizations including the National Football League (NFL), Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), and the Olympics
DHEA is not an FDA-approved treatment for any of the above conditions. It is unknown what the effects of excess testosterone or estrogen in the body could do or the effects of long-term (more than 1 year) DHEA supplementation.
Tell your doctor before taking DHEA or any supplements as it may cause side effects or interact with medicines you take.
What Are Side Effects of DHEA?
Side effects of DHEA may include:
- Hair loss
- Stomach upset
- Abdominal pain
- Acne/oily skin
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Decreased HDL cholesterol
- Excess hair growth/facial hair in women
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Irritability
- Liver dysfunction
- Low or high blood sugar (hypo/hyperglycemia)
- Menstrual irregularities
- Mild mania (hypomania)
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Nasal congestion
- Psychosis
- Sexual inappropriateness
- Voice deepening, particularly in women (high dose)
- Increased risk of hormone-sensitive tumors (very high dose)
What Other Drugs Interact with DHEA?
DHEA may interact with:
- Dihydroergotamine
- Dronedarone
- Ergotamine
- Erythromycin
- Everolimus
- Pimozide
- Ranolazine
- Silodosin
- Sirolimus
- Tolvaptan
DHEA should not be used during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
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http://www.isoad.org/Assets/userfiles/sys_eb538c1c-65ff-4e82-8e6a-a1ef01127fed/files/Resouce/can_we_prevent_aging_0.pdf
https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/dehydroepiandrosterone-dhea