What potential can come from utilizing DHEA Supplementation?

One of the important hormones that is naturally made by the adrenal glands near the kidneys and by the liver is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). DHEA levels seem to go down as people get older. DHEA levels are usually lower in people with depression, postmenopausal women, individuals with chronic pain, and many other conditions.

Supplementing with DHEA is claimed to improve energy, slow down signs of aging, improve muscle strength and athletic performance, infertility, and many other conditions. But is it really the magic solution that it is claimed to be?

What Are Potential Benefits of DHEA?

Menopausal Symptoms

DHEA is likely effective for menopausal symptoms such as thinning of vaginal tissue (vaginal atrophy). With menopause and declining hormone levels, women often experience thinning of the vaginal tissue. This can cause pain during sex. Using vaginal inserts containing DHEA can reduce pain during sex by up to 15% in women after menopause.

Prescription DHEA products are available for this condition. But we also carry over-the-counter (OTC) vaginal inserts that you can purchase without a prescription. Contact Arizona Experts Today >>

Some research also shows that taking DHEA orally might improve sexual function in women with decreased libido or those who are postmenopausal. But not all research agrees.

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Fertility

DHEA is possibly effective for helping women with fertility issues. Most research shows that taking DHEA for 2 to 3 months before in-vitro fertilization (IVF) might improve the chances of pregnancy and having a baby.

However, other research shows that taking DHEA does not seem to prevent miscarriage in women that have had IVF. Moreover, it is not known if DHEA would help women get pregnant without IVF.

Depression

DHEA is possibly helpful in improving depression, especially if the common antidepressants don’t work as well as expected.

Skin

DHEA is possibly effective for aging skin. Research shows that taking DHEA capsules or applying DHEA cream to the skin might improve skin appearance in women after menopause and in people over the age of 60.

Other Research

DHEA is possibly ineffective for aging, muscle strength, improving physical performance in older adults, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and memory and thinking skills (cognitive function).

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Caution to Consider:

  • The most common side effects of DHEA include acne, increased body and facial hair, hair loss, deeper voice (women), and upset stomach. Men can experience breast pain or breast growth.
  • DHEA is possibly unsafe when taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It can cause higher than normal levels of a male hormone called androgen which might be harmful to the baby.
  • DHEA might cause difficulty in urinating for men with an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).
  • DHEA can affect how insulin works in the body. If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar carefully if you are taking DHEA.
  • DHEA can get converted to estrogen in the body. Therefore, check with your doctor if you have hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids.
  • DHEA might lower your “good cholesterol”. Check with your health care provider before taking DHEA.
  • DHEA might make liver problems worse. Do not use oral DHEA if you have liver problems.
  • DHEA might cause problems in people with mood disorders. If you have a mood disorder, be sure to discuss with your healthcare provider before you start taking DHEA. Also, pay close attention to any changes in how you feel such as excitability, impulsiveness, and irritability.
  • DHEA might make PCOS worse. Don’t use DHEA if you have PCOS.
  • DHEA can interact with other supplements and prescription medications. It is important to discuss your particular situation with an expert before starting DHEA.