DHEA supplements: Uses, dosages, side effects

The body produces the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in the adrenal glands. In turn, DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. DHEA levels naturally peak in adulthood and then decline as you age. DHEA can be supplemented directly, such as taking tablets or applying creams.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands - which are glands just above your kidneys.
DHEA acts as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. The body produces the most DHEA in their 20s. In most people, DHEA production declines with age. DHEA supplements can increase levels of the hormones testosterone and estrogen.

DHEA is often touted as an anti-aging therapy. Research results also show that DHEA helps the body ward off some chronic diseases and improve physical performance.
DHEA supplementation improves a number of conditions, including:
Aging: In theory, DHEA supplementation to maintain DHEA levels could slow aging, improve health, function cognition and body composition. Depression: DHEA may be more effective in treating depression than placebo. Osteoporosis: Research shows that DHEA can improve bone mineral density in elderly people with low DHEA levels. But the improvements in bone density were small compared with those seen after treatment with the osteoporosis drug. Vaginal dryness: Limited research suggests that DHEA may improve vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women. Most studies on the effects of DHEA on health show no effects of DHEA on cognitive function or muscle size or strength.
DHEA has been shown to be beneficial in treating people who have been diagnosed with certain conditions such as adrenal insufficiency and lupus erythematosus.
In another study, scientists found that treatment with DHEA supplements helped reduce mild to moderate depression that occurs in some middle-aged people. DHEA may also be effective in improving aging skin in the elderly.

There is no standard dosage for DHEA supplementation. Some research shows that you can take capsules containing DHEA in doses ranging from 25 to 200 milligrams per day, even at higher doses but depending on other medical conditions. It is best to consult your doctor before using DHEA.

DHEA is a hormone. The addition of this hormone can increase androgen levels and have a steroid effect. DHEA may also increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate cancer, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer. If you have cancer or are at risk for cancer, do not use DHEA at all.
Do not take DHEA supplements if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Consider avoiding DHEA if you have high cholesterol or ischemic heart disease. DHEA can reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels.
DHEA use may also worsen psychotic disorders and increase the risk of mania in people with mood disorders.
DHEA can cause oily skin, acne and unwanted male pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).
Some other side effects when taking DHEA supplements, including:
Permanent growth retardation. Aggressive behavior. Mood swings and other psychological symptoms. Hypertension . Oily skin and acne, as well as thickening of the skin. Hair loss. Stomach pain. Change in menstrual cycle Fatigue. Stuffy nose. Headache. Fast or irregular heartbeat. Insomnia. Adverse changes in cholesterol levels. Using high doses of DHEA may not be safe. People with heart problems, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, polycystic ovary syndrome and a history of blood clotting problems should not use DHEA.

DHEA may interact with a number of drugs and may change their effectiveness, including:
Antipsychotics: Using DHEA with antipsychotic drugs such as clozapine (Clozaril, Fazaclo) may decrease its effectiveness drug results. Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, Epit): Using DHEA with this medicine may decrease its effectiveness in treating seizures, neuralgia, and bipolar disorder. Estrogen: Combining DHEA and estrogen can cause symptoms of excess estrogen, such as nausea, headaches, and insomnia. Lithium: Using DHEA with lithium may decrease the effectiveness of the drug. Phenothiazines: Using DHEA with medicines used to treat serious mental and emotional disorders may decrease its effectiveness. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Using DHEA with this type of antidepressant may cause manic symptoms. Testosterone: Combining DHEA and testosterone can cause symptoms such as low sperm count (oligospermia), enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia), and the development of typical male features in women. Triazolam (Halcion): Using DHEA with this sedative can cause central nervous system depression, affecting your breathing and heart rate. Valproic Acid (Depakene): Using DHEA with this anticonvulsant may decrease its effectiveness.

Reference source: mayoclinic.org; webmd.com