DHEA : Dosing

by MedlinePlus

(Page 3 of 4)

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Note: Some products are micronized and compounded with polyunsaturates. Information on the safety of long-term use of DHEA supplements is not available.

Adults (18 years and older):

Capsules/Tablets:

Addison's disease: 50 milligram doses taken daily by mouth have been used for Addison's disease/adrenal insufficiency. Adrenal insufficiency is a serious medical condition and should be treated under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.

Crohn's disease/ulcerative colitis: 200 milligrams daily has been used in a small pilot study for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Depression: 30-90 milligrams per day of DHEA has been used for depression. Higher doses of 200 to 500 milligrams per day have been studied for depression in HIV/AIDS.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE): 50 to 200 milligrams of DHEA daily has been used in multiple studies for treatment of lupus.

Intravenous:

Dementia (multi-infarct): 200 milligrams of DHEA daily has been studied for multi-infarct dementia given intravenously. Safety is not established.

Cream:

Menopausal symptoms: A 10 percent cream rubbed over a 20-centimeter by 20-centimeter area on both thighs once daily has been used for vaginal discomfort associated with menopause.

Skin aging: DHEA (5%) in ethanol:olive oil (1:2) was topically applied to buttock skin of volunteers 12 times over 4 weeks to help with skin aging in one study.

Children (younger than 18 years): The dosing and safety of DHEA are not well studied in children. In theory, DHEA could interfere with normal hormone balance and growth in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

Avoid if allergic to DHEA products.

Side Effects and Warnings

Few side effects are reported when DHEA supplements are taken by mouth in recommended doses. The most common complaints include fatigue, nasal congestion, and headache. There are rare reports of rapid/irregular heartbeats or palpitations. People taking DHEA supplements may be more prone to develop blood clots or liver damage, although these effects have not been widely studied in humans. Individuals with a history of abnormal heart rhythms, blood clots or hypercoagulability, and those with a history of liver disease, should avoid DHEA supplements.

Because DHEA is a hormone related to other male and female hormones, there may be side effects related to its hormonal activities. For example, masculinization may occur in women, including acne, facial hair, hair loss, increased sweating, weight gain around the waist, or a deeper voice. Likewise, men may develop more prominent breasts (gynecomastia) or breast tenderness. Men may also experience increased blood pressure, testicular wasting, or increased aggressiveness.

DHEA supplementation may alter the production or balance of various other hormones in the body. Hormonal-related side effects may include increased blood sugar levels, insulin resistance, altered cholesterol levels, altered thyroid hormone levels, and altered adrenal function. Caution is advised in patients with diabetes or hyperglycemia, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, or other endocrine (hormonal) abnormalities. Serum glucose, cholesterol and thyroid levels may need to be monitored by a healthcare professional, and medication adjustments may be necessary.

In theory, DHEA may increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, or ovarian cancer. Based on laboratory research, DHEA may contribute to tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer. Other side effects may include insomnia, agitation, delusions, mania, nervousness, irritability, or psychosis.

High DHEA levels have been correlated with Cushing's syndrome, which may be caused by excessive supplementation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

DHEA is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Because DHEA is a hormone, it may be unsafe to the fetus or nursing infants. DHEA has caused abortions in rat studies.

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.