DHEA

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Evidence

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Adrenal insufficiency
Several studies suggest that DHEA may improve well-being, quality of life, exercise capacity, sex drive, and hormone levels in people with insufficient adrenal function (Addison's disease). Though promising, additional study is needed to make a strong recommendation. Adrenal insufficiency is a serious medical condition and should be treated under the supervision of a qualified health care professional, including a pharmacist. 		B
Depression
The majority of clinical trials investigating the effect of DHEA on depression support its use for this purpose under the guidance of specialist. Further research is needed to confirm these results. 		B
Obesity
The majority of clinical trials investigating the effect of DHEA on weight or fat loss support its use for this purpose. Further research is needed to confirm these results. 		B
Systemic lupus erythematosus
The majority of clinical trials investigating the effect of DHEA for systemic lupus erythematosus support its use as an adjunct treatment. Additional study is needed to confirm these results. 		B
Alzheimer's disease
Initial research reports that DHEA does not significantly improve cognitive performance or change symptom severity in patients with Alzheimer's disease, but some experts disagree. Additional study is warranted in this area. 		C
Bone density
The ability of DHEA to increase bone density is under investigation. Effects are not clear at this time. 		C
Cardiovascular disease
Initial studies report possible benefits of DHEA supplementation in patients with cholesterol plaques ("hardening") in their arteries. There is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the use of DHEA supplements in patients with heart failure or diminished ejection fraction. Other therapies are more proven in this area, and patients with heart failure or other types of heart disease should discuss treatment options with a cardiologist. 		C
Cervical cancer
Initial research reports that the use of intravaginal DHEA may be safe, and may promote regression of low-grade cervical lesions. However, further study is necessary in this area before a firm conclusion can be drawn. Patients should not substitute the use of DHEA for more established therapies, and should discuss management options and follow-up with a primary healthcare professional or gynecologist. 		C
Chronic fatigue syndrome
The scientific evidence remains unclear regarding the effects of DHEA supplementation in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Cocaine withdrawal
Preliminary study shows that DHEA is not beneficial in treating cocaine dependence, but further study is needed before a firm conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Critical illness
Unclear scientific evidence exists surrounding the safety or effectiveness of DHEA supplementation in critically ill patients. At this time, it is recommended that severe illness in the intensive care unit be treated with more proven therapies. 		C
Crohn's disease
Initial research reports that DHEA supplements are safe for short-term use in patients with Crohn's disease. Preliminary research suggests possible beneficial effects, although further research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn. 		C
HIV/AIDS
Although some studies suggest that DHEA supplementation may be beneficial in patents with HIV, results from different studies do not agree with each other. There is currently not enough scientific evidence to recommend DHEA for this condition, and other therapies are more proven in this area. 		C
Induction of labor
Preliminary evidence, suggests that DHEA may help to induce labor. Further research is needed and people who are pregnant should not self-treat. 		C
Infertility
DHEA supplementation may be beneficial in women with ovulation disorders. There is currently not enough scientific evidence to form a clear conclusion about the use of DHEA for this condition. 		C
Menopausal disorders
Many different aspects of menopause have been studied using DHEA as a treatment, such as vaginal pain, osteoporosis, hot flashes or emotional disturbances such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, difficulties with concentration, memory, or decreased sex drive (which may occur near the time of menopause). Study results disagree and additional study is needed in this area. 		C
Myotonic dystrophy
There is conflicting scientific evidence regarding the use of DHEA supplements for myotonic dystrophy. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Psoriasis
Overall study results suggest that DHEA likely offers no benefit to individuals with psoriasis but some disagree. Additional study is needed before a firm recommendation can be made. 		C
Rheumatoid arthritis
Preliminary evidence, from a case series, suggests that DHEA likely offers no benefit to individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Well-designed clinical trials, with appropriate endpoints are required before recommendations can be made. 		C
Schizophrenia
Initial research reports benefits of DHEA supplementation in the management of negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms of schizophrenia. Some of the side effects from prescription drugs used for schizophrenia may also be relieved. Further study is needed to confirm these results before a firm conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Septicemia (serious bacterial infections in the blood)
Unclear scientific evidence exists surrounding the safety or effectiveness of DHEA supplementation in septic patients. At this time, more proven therapies are recommended. 		C
Sexual function / libido / erectile dysfunction
The results of studies vary on the use of DHEA in erectile dysfunction and sexual function, in both men and women. Better research is necessary before a clear conclusion can be drawn. 		C
Sjogren's syndrome
DHEA showed no evidence of efficacy in Sjogren's syndrome in preliminary study. Without evidence for efficacy, patients with Sjogren's syndrome should avoid using unregulated DHEA supplements, since long-term adverse consequences of exposure to this hormone are unknown. Further research is needed in this area. 		C
Skin aging
Preliminary study suggests the possibility of using DHEA topically as an anti-skin aging agent. Further research is needed to confirm these results. 		C
Fibromyalgia (postmenopause)
DHEA does not seem to improve quality of life, pain, fatigue, cognitive function, mood, or functional impairment in fibromyalgia. 		D
Immune system stimulant
It is suggested by some textbooks and review articles that DHEA can stimulate the immune system. However, current scientific evidence does not support this claim. 		D
Memory
Studies of the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on cognition have produced complex and inconsistent results. Additional study is warranted in this area. 		D
Muscle strength
Many study results in this area conflict but overall the current available evidence in this area is negative. Further research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn 		D

Key to grades
A Strong scientific evidence for this use
B Good scientific evidence for this use
C Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D Fair scientific evidence against this use (it may not work)
F Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likely does not work)

Grading rationale

Uses based on tradition or theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Aging, allergic disorders, amenorrhea associated with anorexia, andropause/andrenopause, angioedema, anxiety, asthma, bone diseases, bone loss associated with anorexia, bladder cancer, breast cancer, burns, colon cancer, dementia, diabetes, fatigue, heart attack, high cholesterol, Huntington's disease, influenza, joint diseases, lipodystrophy in HIV, liver protection, malaria, malnutrition, movement disorders, multiple sclerosis, osteoporosis, pancreatic cancer, Parkinson's disease, performance enhancement, polycystic ovarian syndrome, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), premenstrual syndrome, prostate cancer, Raynaud's disease, skin graft healing, sleep disorders, stress, tetanus, ulcerative colitis, viral encephalitis.

Dosing Related terms
NS_patient-dhea Portions of this document last updated: Sept. 1, 2012

THIS EVIDENCE-BASED MONOGRAPH WAS PREPARED BY
THE NATURAL STANDARD RESEARCH COLLABORATION
(www.naturalstandard.com)

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