Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a naturally occurring hormone that is sold as a dietary supplement. It is often claimed to be beneficial for treating various age-related conditions and is commonly used to enhance sexual desire and performance. Many people can take low doses safely for short periods of time, but high doses may cause side effects such as menstrual irregularity, acne, and hirsutism.

 

What Is Dehydroepiandrosterone?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by both men and women. It often declines with age. Currently, it is classified as a dietary supplement and is, therefore, available without a prescription. Because it is a supplement, there is very little regulation of the manufacturing and sale of this product.
 
Dehydroepiandrosterone is often claimed to be a wonder drug or a "fountain of youth." It is used for many different age-related conditions and is popular as a supplement to increase sexual desire or performance.
 
(Click Benefits of Dehydroepiandrosterone for more information on what the supplement is used for.)
 

How Does It Work?

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone. In the human body, it is mostly produced by the adrenal glands (small glands that sit above the kidneys). Researchers are not exactly sure what dehydroepiandrosterone itself does, although it is known that the body transforms it into other steroid hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. It is difficult to predict to what extent the body will convert dehydroepiandrosterone into testosterone or estrogen in any particular individual. Some people will convert dehydroepiandrosterone mostly into testosterone, while others will mostly convert it into estrogen.
 

Is Dehydroepiandrosterone Effective?

Dehydroepiandrosterone appears to work for several different uses. However, there are many claims for dehydroepiandrosterone that are completely unsubstantiated or greatly exaggerated (see Does DHEA Work? for more information).
 

Dosing Information

The best doses of dehydroepiandrosterone have not been established. Studies have used varying doses, depending on several factors (including the condition being treated).
 
(Click Dehydroepiandrosterone Dosage for more information.)
 

Potential Side Effects

While low doses of dehydroepiandrosterone are often well tolerated, high doses can cause significant side effects, including (but not limited to):
 
(Click Side Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions

Dehydroepiandrosterone may potentially interact with a number of medications (see Drug Interactions With Dehydroepiandrosterone).
 

Is Dehydroepiandrosterone Safe?

Many people may be able to take low doses of dehydroepiandrosterone safely for short periods of time. However, long-term, high-dose use is probably not safe. Some people may be more likely to experience problems due to this supplement. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking dehydroepiandrosterone if you have:
 
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Dehydroepiandrosterone Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Dehydroepiandrosterone Overdose?

It is not known exactly what to expect from a dehydroepiandrosterone overdose. It is reasonable to expect that taking too much dehydroepiandrosterone might cause hormone imbalances, especially with long-term use.
 
(Click DHEA Overdose for more information.)
 

Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual dehydroepiandrosterone product for information on how to best store it. Keep this and other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;