Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid produced in the adrenal glands and converted into sex hormones (estrogens and androgens). DHEA’s effects on the body are similar to those of testosterone. DHEA can be synthesized from some ingredients in the Mexican yam, but eating this plant is not recommended, because the human body cannot convert the ingredients to DHEA.

A synthetic version of DHEA is available as a tablet, capsule, powder, topical cream, and gel.

(See also Overview of Dietary Supplements Overview of Dietary Supplements Dietary supplements are used by about 75% of Americans. They are the most common therapies included among integrative medicine and health (IMH) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)... read more .)

People take DHEA supplements to improve mood, energy, sense of well-being, and the ability to function well under stress. Other uses include the following:

In older men, body fat may be reduced. In older women with decreased adrenal gland function, DHEA may improve quality of life and depression, although there are probably more effective complementary and alternative medicine treatments.

Advocates also claim that DHEA can reverse aging, improve brain function in people with Alzheimer disease Alzheimer Disease Alzheimer disease is a progressive loss of mental function, characterized by degeneration of brain tissue, including loss of nerve cells, the accumulation of an abnormal protein called beta-amyloid... read more , and decrease symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory connective tissue disorder that can involve joints, kidneys, skin, mucous membranes, and blood vessel walls. Problems in the... read more (lupus).

Many of the medicinal claims of DHEA have not been proved. However, some evidence indicates that it may relieve depression (although not as a first-line treatment), improve appearance of aging skin, and improve fertility in women undergoing assisted reproduction. Many athletes claim that DHEA builds muscle and enhances athletic performance, but the use of DHEA is banned by numerous professional sports organizations.

Theoretically, DHEA may result in acne, headache, mood changes, breast enlargement in men, and hairiness in women. It may decrease HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol), and worsen polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). It also may stimulate the growth of prostate, liver, and breast cancers. However, these effects have not been substantiated.

DHEA may increase bleeding in people taking anticoagulants. DHEA has triggered mania in people taking antidepressants. DHEA may antagonize the anti-estrogenic effects of tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors (such as anastrozole), and fulvestrant. DHEA may increase the concentrations of triazolam (a benzodiazepine used for sleep), and decrease the effectiveness of bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination for tuberculosis.

DHEA supplements are usually not recommended because the claimed benefits have not been proven and harmful side effects, as well as several drug interactions, are possible. Use by athletes is typically banned. Children should not use DHEA.