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continued:

DHEA: Evidence for anti-aging claims is weak

What are the side effects of DHEA?

Some studies of DHEA have linked the supplement to:

  • Reduced high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels
  • Increased facial hair in women
  • Acne

Long-term adverse effects of DHEA are still being researched. Because DHEA can, in theory, raise testosterone and estrogen levels, there's concern that long-term or excessive use of DHEA supplements could increase the risk of prostate cancer, breast cancer or other hormone-sensitive cancers.

What do you tell people who want to try DHEA?

DHEA supplementation has no proven benefits in older people and may cause adverse side effects. Don't take DHEA to prevent, delay or reverse age-related changes in your body. Instead, concentrate on a healthy lifestyle. Maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, include physical activity in your daily routine, manage stress and seek regular health screenings.

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References
  1. Chrousos GP. Dehyroepiandrosterone and its sulfate. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed July 30, 2009.
  2. Nair KS. DHEA in elderly women and DHEA or testosterone in elderly men. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355:1647.
  3. Stewart PM. Aging and fountain-of-youth hormones. The New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355:1724.
  4. DHEA. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. http://www.naturaldatabase.com. Accessed June 18, 2009.
  5. Panjari M, et al. A randomized trial of oral DHEA treatment for sexual function, well-being and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with low libido. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2009;1.
  6. Grimley EJ, et al. Dehyroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation for cognitive function in healthy elderly people. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2006:CD006221.
  7. Weiss EP, et al. Dehyroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on bone. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2009;89:1459.
  8. Jankowski CM, et al. Increases in bone mineral density in response to oral dehyroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults appear to be mediated by serum estrogens. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2008;93:4767.
  9. Davis SR, et al. Dehyroepiandrosterone sulfate levels are associated with more favorable cognitive function in women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2008;93:801.
  10. Healthy aging for older adults. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/aging/. Accessed July 31, 2009.
  11. Nair KS (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Aug. 12, 2009.
  12. Igwebuike A, et al. Lack of dehyroepiandrosterone effect on a combined endurance and exercise resistance program in postmenopausal women. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. 2008;93:534.

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Oct. 17, 2009

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