DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone made by the human body and excreted by the adrenal gland. It is a precursor to sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). Levels begin to naturally decrease after age 25 to 30. People with medical conditions such as anorexia, end-stage renal disease, Type 2 diabetes, AIDS or adrenal insufficiency may have low levels. Levels may also be depleted by many drugs, such as insulin corticosteroids, opiates and danazol. As a dietary supplement, DHEA has many claimed benefits, but there is not sufficient evidence to support many of these.
DHEA Supplements
The only active ingredient in DHEA supplements is DHEA. Other names for it include dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, DHA, DHAS, DHEAS, DHEA-S, 7-KETO DHE, 7-oxo-DHEA, GL701 and prasterone. According to the National Library of Medicine, there is good evidence to support its use in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus. There is insufficient evidence to support its benefit in treating Alzheimer's disease, bone density, cardiovascular disease, cervical cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, cocaine withdrawal, critical illness, Crohn's disease, HIV/AIDS, induction of labor, infertility, menopausal disorders, myotonic dystrophy, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis, schizophrenia, septicemia, sexual function, Sjogren's syndrome and skin aging. There is fair evidence against its use for fibromyalgia, immune system stimulation, memory or muscle strength. There are no studies on the long-term effects of DHEA. Because its use can cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens, it may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers such as prostate, breast, and ovarian. DHEA should not be used without supervision by a license health care professional.
Inactive Ingredients
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists 144 DHEA supplements. Inactive ingredients in these products vary widely from one brand to another. Common additives include cellulose, magnesium stearate, stearic acid, dicalcium phosphate, silica and gelatin. These ingredients act as bulking agents and preservatives and do not contribute to the pharmacological action of the DHEA.
Special Use Supplements
DHEA is also combined with other ingredients in supplements targeted to a specific claimed health benefit. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database lists 287 such products, including supplements for weight loss, muscle building, memory, skin anti-aging, adrenal support and sexual health. There is insufficient evidence for its effectiveness in treating many of these conditions. Before using these products ask your health care provider or pharmacist about effectiveness, safety, dosing and potential drug interactions.
"Natural DHEA"
According to the National Library of Medicine, DHEA can be synthesized in a laboratory using wild yam extract. The body, however, cannot convert wild yam into DHEA so supplements that promote wild yam as "natural DHEA" are inaccurate.
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