DHEA : Scientific and Traditional Uses

by MedlinePlus

(Page 2 of 4)

Menopausal disorders

Many different aspects of menopause have been studied using DHEA as a treatment. When DHEA is applied topically (on the skin) as a cream, it may improve vaginal pain and discomfort associated with menopause. However, it is not clear whether DHEA cream has any benefits in treating osteoporosis after menopause. Early evidence suggests that DHEA may not be an effective treatment for hot flashes or emotional disturbances such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, difficulties with concentration, memory, or decreased sex drive (which may occur near the time of menopause). However, some study results disagree.

Muscle mass / body mass

DHEA has been studied for improving body mass index, decreasing body fat, and increasing muscle mass. Early research reports that muscle mass is not increased when adding DHEA supplements to compensate for the natural decrease in dehydroepiandrosterone levels that occurs with aging (in otherwise healthy adults). It is not known if there are medical conditions in which DHEA supplementation might contribute to the preservation or improvement of muscle mass.

Myotonic dystrophy

There is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the use of DHEA supplements for myotonic dystrophy. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Ovulation disorders

There are low quality studies that suggest DHEA supplementation may be beneficial in women with ovulation disorders. However, results of research in this area are conflicting, and safety is not established. There is currently not enough scientific evidence to form a clear conclusion about the use of DHEA for this condition.

Partial androgen deficiency

Restoring DHEA levels to young adult values seems to benefit the age-related decline in physiological functions but, however promising, placebo-controlled trials are required to confirm these preliminary results.

Schizophrenia

Initial research reports benefits of DHEA supplementation in the management of negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms of schizophrenia. Further study is needed to confirm these results before a firm conclusion can be drawn.

Septicemia (serious bacterial infections in the blood)

Unclear scientific evidence exists surrounding the safety or effectiveness of DHEA supplementation in septic patients. At this time, more proven therapies are recommended.

Sexual function / libido / erectile dysfunction

The results of studies vary on the use of DHEA in erectile dysfunction and sexual function, in both men and women. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Skin aging

Preliminary study suggests the possibility of using DHEA topically as an anti-skin aging agent. Further research is needed to confirm these results.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

Most research of DHEA supplementation in patients with SLE (lupus) is not well designed or reported. Results of various studies do not agree with each other, with some results suggesting benefits, and others reporting no effects. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn.

Alzheimer's disease

Initial research reports that DHEA does not significantly improve cognitive performance or change symptom severity in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Additional study is warranted in this area.

Brain function and well-being in the elderly

Some textbooks and review articles suggest that DHEA supplements may improve brain function, memory, and overall feelings of well-being in the elderly. However, most studies in this area report no benefits. Additional study is warranted in this area.

Cocaine dependence

Preliminary study shows that DHEA is not beneficial in treating cocaine dependence.

Immune system stimulant

It is suggested by some textbooks and review articles that DHEA can stimulate the immune system. However, current scientific evidence does not support this claim. D Sjogren's syndrome

DHEA showed no evidence of efficacy in Sjogren's syndrome in preliminary study. Without evidence for efficacy, patients with Sjogren's syndrome should avoid using unregulated DHEA supplements, since long-term adverse consequences of exposure to this hormone are unknown.

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Aging, allergic disorders, amenorrhea associated with anorexia, andropause/andrenopause, angioedema, anxiety, asthma, bone diseases, bone loss associated with anorexia, bladder cancer, breast cancer, burns, colon cancer, dementia, diabetes, heart attack, high cholesterol, Huntington's disease, influenza, joint diseases, lipodystrophy in HIV, liver protection, malaria, malnutrition, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, obesity, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, Parkinson's disease, performance enhancement, polycystic ovarian syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual syndrome, prostate cancer, psoriasis, Raynaud's disease, rheumatic diseases, skin graft healing, sleep disorders, stress, tetanus, ulcerative colitis, viral encephalitis, weight loss.

About the Author

medlineplus.gov
MedlinePlus will direct you to information to help answer health questions. MedlinePlus brings together authoritative information from NLM, the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations. MedlinePlus also has extensive information about drugs, an illustrated medical encyclopedia, interactive patient tutorials, and latest health news.