What Are the Benefits of Taking DHEA? Supplements

DHEA is a steroid hormone produced in the outer layer of the adrenal glands and in small amounts in the liver. 

DHEA is changed in the body into a hormone called androstenedione. Androstenedione is then converted to produce androgen (male sex hormone) and estrogen (female sex hormone). The effects on the body are similar to those of testosterone. DHEA is also called:

• Androstenolone
• 3β-hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one
• 5-androsten-3β-ol-17-one

DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, decreasing more quickly in women than in men. DHEA levels appear to be lower in people with depression and after menopause.

DHEA cannot be obtained from food. A synthetic version of DHEA is available in the form of tablets, sublingual drops, and topical creams. It is synthetically produced by using a chemical (diosgenin) found in soy and wild yam.

Prescription DHEA is commonly used for vaginal atrophy (thinning of the vaginal tissue).

Although results are conflicting and inconclusive, studies suggest that DHEA supplements may have potential health benefits and prevent certain diseases, such as:

• Depression
• Obesity
• Lupus
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Sexual dysfunction
• Erectile dysfunction
• Infertility
• Menopause
• Alzheimer's disease
• Osteoporosis (brittle and fragile bones)
• Metabolic syndrome (improves insulin resistance and reduces abdominal fat)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract)
• Anorexia nervosa (an obsessive desire to lose weight)

Because the oral administration of DHEA can lead to a dose-dependent increase in circulating androgens, which may reach high supraphysiologic levels in women. It is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, International Olympic Committee, and the World Anti-Doping Agency.

May help fight depression

Research suggests that women nearing menopause with depression had higher levels of DHEA hormone than those without depression.

Though the relationship between DHEA levels and depression is not entirely clear, researchers speculate that DHEA supplements can aid in combating depression, especially in individuals with mild depression or those who do not respond to traditional treatments.

May help treat adrenal insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands (responsible for producing DHEA) are unable to produce normal amounts of hormones, causing fatigue, weakness, and changes in blood pressure, which can sometimes be life-threatening.

DHEA supplements may improve the quality of life for individuals with adrenal gland problems.

May improve fertility and sex drive

DHEA supplements may improve the function of the ovaries in women with impaired fertility. It has been shown to help increase the success rate of in vitro fertilization (an assisted reproductive technique).

Studies also suggest that these supplements may increase libido and sexual function in both men and women.

May improve bone density

DHEA levels decrease as you get older, which is linked to lower bone density and increased risk of fractures.

Some studies have reported that taking DHEA supplements for 1-2 years may improve bone density in older women, but the same effect is not reflected in men.

May aid in fat loss

Some studies have shown that DHEA supplements can cause a small decrease in fat mass in elderly men and adults whose adrenal glands fail to function properly.

Though the effects of standard DHEA supplements on fat mass are inconclusive, another form of the supplement, called 7-Keto DHEA, has been shown to increase metabolic rate in overweight men and women.

Other potential benefits

Other debatable health benefit claims of DHEA include:

• Improving sleep quality
• Lowering cholesterol levels
• Increasing muscle mass
• Improving the appearance of aging skin
• Improving brain function in people with Alzheimer’s disease
• Decreasing symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus)

There is no standard dosage of DHEA. However, DHEA may be safe when used for a short period of time (up to 2 years), typically in doses of 50 mg daily.

Side effects are usually mild when taken in low doses and may include:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• High blood pressure
• Menstrual irregularities
• Acne
• Oily skin
• Mood swings
• Abdominal pain
• Facial hair
• Breast tenderness
• Gynecomastia (enlarged male breast tissues)
• Irregular heartbeats
• Liver dysfunction

DHEA supplements should be avoided in the following cases:

• Heart disease
• Liver disease
• Thyroid disease
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• History of heart disease or stroke
• Blood clotting issues
• Breast, uterine, and ovarian cancer
• Endometriosis or uterine fibroids
• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Currently on blood thinners, anticonvulsants, or hormone therapy
• Currently on oral medications for diabetes or taking insulin

Drugs that may lower DHEA levels

• Antipsychotic medications, including Thorazine (chlorpromazine) and Seroquel (quetiapine)
• Pulmicort (budesonide)
• Estrogens
• Oral contraceptives
• Decadron (dexamethasone)
• Glucophage (metformin)

Drugs that may raise DHEA levels

• Xanax (alprazolam)
• Norvasc (amlodipine)
• Arimidex (anastrozole)
• Procardia (nifedipine)
• Danazol (danocrine)
• Cardizem (diltiazem)
• Ritalin (methylphenidate)
• Metyrapone (metopirone)