What is DHEA?

What is DHEA?

The hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is produced in the adrenal gland. In turn, DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

What is already known on DHEA

Research on DHEA for specific conditions includes:

Aging. But research hasn't proved its anti-aging effects.

Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating depression than placebo.

Osteoporosis. Research suggests DHEA might improve bone mineral density in elderly people with low DHEA. But improvements in bone density were small compared with those seen after treatment with approved osteoporosis medications.

Vaginal atrophy. Limited research suggests that DHEA might improve vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.

Research on the effects of DHEA on well-being and body composition has had mixed results. Studies have shown quality control of this supplement to often be low.

What is Mayo clinic suggestion?

Avoid

While some research suggests that DHEA might be slightly helpful in treating osteoporosis, depression and vaginal atrophy, there's little evidence to support anti-aging claims. Also, DHEA use can cause serious side effects. Avoid using this supplement.

Safety and side effects

DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Don't use DHEA if you're pregnant or breast-feeding.

Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders.

DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women.

References

https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199