Dehydroepiandrosterone

Generic Name: DHEA
Typical Brand Name(s): GL701, Prasterone

What Is It Used For?
DHEA is one of the natural steroid hormones produced in small amounts by the human adrenal glands. Individuals who have a condition known as Addison's disease or primary adrenocortical insufficiency do not produce enough of the adrenal steroids -- including DHEA, Overall symptoms of Addison's disease usually appear gradually and they may include anemia, darkened skin and mucous membranes, fatigue, and weight loss. DHEA replacement in Addison's disease is controversial -- with some studies finding positive effects such as lessened fatigue and improved mood; and other studies finding no effects. Currently, DHEA supplementation is not standard treatment for Addison's disease, although a prescription DHEA product does have an orphan drug designation for treating adrenal insufficiency. An orphan drug has been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for extremely limited uses, such as for the treatment of a rare disease.

The most advanced scientific research concerning DHEA has centered on treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), an autoimmune disease of connective tissue. Symptoms of SLE include arthritis, fever, and rash. SLE can also affect the central nervous system and internal organs like the kidneys. Because DHEA has shown effectiveness in the treatment of SLE, a prescription form of DHEA may be close to FDA-approval for the treatment of SLE.

Natural DHEA production decreases as individuals get older; therefore, some researchers believe that restoring DHEA to higher levels may delay some of the effects of aging. Especially in the last few years, DHEA has also been touted to increase the function of the immune system and to restore mental ability. Therefore, it has been studied for the treatment of numerous conditions that include AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and Parkinson's disease. Low blood levels of DHEA have also been found in chronic inflammatory conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. While clinical research continues for several of these indications, no definitive results prove that DHEA supplementation is effective for any of the conditions.

DHEA has also been associated with other effects. Supplemental DHEA and its breakdown product DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) may have produced improvements in osteoporosis in the elderly as well as in younger individuals who have osteoporosis from having conditions such as anorexia nervosa or from taking drugs such as corticosteroids. In mice and other laboratory animals, DHEA supplements may have increased both the production of insulin and the body's ability to use insulin more effectively. However, laboratory animals commonly used for research produce such tiny amounts of natural DHEA that giving them even very small amounts of supplemental DHEA may produce effects that may not be achievable in humans. In other human research, low levels of DHEA have been measured in individuals with schizophrenia. Unbalanced amounts of DHEA as compared to other natural steroids may be linked with some types of depression. In one small study of humans, DHEA supplementation was related to a decreased incidence of cataracts. Another study found that it may help to reduce the symptoms of menopause. DHEA may also have an anti-obesity effect and, although no convincing evidence proves that it may help to increase muscle size and activity, it has been used for those purposes by athletes. DHEA is banned from use by Olympic athletes. Much more research is needed to prove or disprove all of the potential effects of DHEA supplementation.

Topical DHEA may be used to restore vaginal tone and possibly increase bone mineral density for postmenopausal women. DHEA cream -- often combined with other steroids -- is available commercially.

NOTE: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.