DHEA is the most abundant hormone synthesized and excreted by the adrenal glands. DHEA is the precursor for the synthesis of over 50 other hormones in the body. It is estimated that from 30 to 50 percent of testosterone in men and about 75 percent of estrogen in women is derived from DHEA. Impressive results from some DHEA studies prompted the media to tout DHEA as an “anti-aging” breakthrough. When given to elderly animals or humans, DHEA does tend to increase sex drive, improve energy, mood, and memory, enhance the immune system and increase muscle mass. High levels of DHEAS are a strong predictor of longevity in men.(
1) Human production of DHEA normally peaks during our mid-20s and then begins a steady, progressive decline. Animal studies indicate that DHEA may be helpful for conditions such as obesity, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and general enhancement of the immune system. However, adequate human trials have not been conducted. Although DHEA is available without a prescription, it should be used with caution since it affects the levels of many other hormones in the body.
Commercially available doses range from 5-200mg. However, doctors have been known to request compounding pharmacists to prepare DHEA prescriptions for patients in doses ranging from 5-200mg per capsule. Men usually take higher doses than women.
The most common dosage for DHEA is 25mg daily but ideally doses should be individualized to a patient’s individual needs.
Capsules, oral and sublingual tablets, liquid, and creams.
None established
None established
Interactions and Depletions
Dehydroepiandrosterone and micronized dehydroepiandrosterone.
Orally ingested DHEA is effectively absorbed from the stomach and intestines, while sublingual DHEA is quickly absorbed from the oral mucosa under the tongue, and creams and ointments are easily absorbed transdermally.
To date, studies with DHEA report that it is safe when taken correctly.
DHEA can be converted to estrogen and testosterone. Thus, men and women who have had, or who are at risk to hormone-related cancers such as prostate, ovarian, endometrial and breast cancer should not take DHEA without medical supervision.
The most common side effects from too much DHEA include acne, hirsutism, mood changes such as irritability and aggressiveness(
2), insomnia, fatigue and low energy. Other side effects that occasionally occur include headaches, nervousness, a deepening of the voice, and menstrual cycle irregularities.(
3)
DHEA’s primary function in the body is to serve as the precursor the other hormones that are developed from it.(
4)
In both animal(
5) and human studies,(
6) dehydroepiandrosterone has exhibited antioxidant activity. One study reported that DHEA prevents the oxidation of LDL-cholesterol, which suggests it may help prevent atherosclerosis.(
7)
In animal studies, DHEA has demonstrated antiproliferative and tumor preventive effects, which inhibits development of experimental tumors of the breast, lung, colon, liver, skin, and lymphatic tissue.(
8) Several different mechanisms have been proposed to explain the underlying biochemical mechanisms for these effects.(
9)
DHEA can substantially lower the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)
A study involving 295 women found that women with higher levels of DHEA performed better in relation to cognitive function compared to women with low levels.(10)
A recent study assessed whether chronic stress experienced by healthy caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease patients caused neuroendocrine and immunological differences not experienced by healthy non-caregivers. The results revealed that caregivers were significantly more stressed, anxious and depressed than non-caregivers in contrast to similar cortisol levels. Caregivers also appeared to have reduced DHEAS levels and an increased cortisol/DHEAS ratio. These findings suggest that the maintenance of health in chronically stressed populations may be associated with both protective and detrimental neuroendocrine and immunological changes.(11)
Most patients with lupus have low levels of DHEA.(
12),(
13) DHEA may be an effective hormonal therapy for patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Patients appear to gain incremental benefits over 3 to 12 months, resulting in a decrease in the number of lupus flare-ups and a reduction in the need to utilize steroid medications.(
14),(
15)
Animal studies and preliminary human research suggests that DHEA may be therapeutically useful for people with diabetes. When given to postmenopausal women, DHEA enhanced insulin sensitivity and reduced triglyceride levels.(
16),(
17)
A pilot study of 12 women with low-grade cervical dysplasia found that DHEA administered intravenously was well tolerated and was efficacious in 10 of the 12 women.(
18)
It has been reported that DHEA reduces the replication of the HIV-1 virus.(
19) Also, DHEA levels are lower in individuals with HIV and AIDS than in normal controls, and DHEA levels continue to decline as the disease progresses.(
20) DHEA’s immune-enhancing effects may be related to its ability to increase the secretion of Interleukin-2 from activated T-cells.(
21)
Since DHEA levels decline as the disease state progresses, a randomized, double-blind placebo controlled trial involving 32 HIV infected individuals was carried out to determine if DHEA supplementation could improve the quality of life for these individuals. Compared to the placebo controls, those taking the DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) product experienced a significant increase in serum DHEA-S levels as well as a significant improvement in the Mental Health and Health Distress dimension of the Medical Outcomes Study HIV Health (MOS-HIV) Survey.(22)
Examination of a group of elderly individuals with major depression revealed that all had low levels of DHEA. Supplementation sufficient to bring their plasma DHEA levels to that of younger healthy adults improved their depression ratings and memory performance.(
23) Evaluation of 82 children aged 8 to 16 years old with major depression revealed abnormally low morning levels DHEA and abnormally high evening levels of cortisol.(
24)
Symptoms and Causes of Deficiency
Because of the large number of hormones that are derived from DHEA, declining levels of DHEA are associated with an increased risk to diseases of aging. These include an increased risk of developing Type 2 diabetes,(
25) osteoporosis, depression,(
26) obesity, decreased immune function, loss of strength and muscle mass, and memory problems.
Plants do not produce DHEA. Significant amounts are only made by humans and other primates such as monkeys and apes. There are no good dietary sources of DHEA other than supplementation.