DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a type of hormone that is produced from deep tissue in the body. It acts as a precursor to the male and female sex hormones. DHEA levels tend to decline in adulthood, but DHEA supplements can be taken by prescription or in over-the-counter forms to help with a variety of conditions, including depression, lupus, muscle loss, adrenal fatigue and others. However, research on DHEA supplementation shows mixed results, and because it is so tied to hormonal activity, children should be given DHEA only with a doctor's supervision.
Supplementation
DHEA supplements are sometimes recommended for adults for conditions ranging from breast cancer and diabetes to infertility and rheumatoid arthritis. The doctors with Geisinger Health System recommend not giving DHEA to children or teens, or even most young adults under the age of 30. The supplements are associated with many side effects, including liver problems, acne, hoarseness, menstrual cycle changes and hair growth in unusual places.
Testing
Though unusual, natural DHEA overproduction in children is possible. The first signs may be indications of puberty, such as growth of pubic hair at a younger age than normal. A simple blood test can determine DHEA levels in both adults and children. Treatment with other steroids may be able to get a child's hormone levels to a healthy balance. Low levels of DHEA may indicate problems with the body's adrenal system.
Warning
MayoClinic.com warns against the use of DHEA supplementation in children, suggesting it could disrupt their hormonal development and growth. Newborns and infants have high levels of DHEA, but those levels quickly drop, only to rise again around puberty. If you have any questions about DHEA, whether it's the natural production in the body or supplements and prescriptions, check with your pediatrician. Likewise, remember that over-the-counter supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, so they may contain substances not listed on the label, or may contain substances in different amounts from those expressed on the labels.
Young Athletes
DHEA is one of a handful of supplements young athletes may be tempted to take because the body converts them into anabolic steroids, which may help build muscle mass. Many national and international athletic bodies have banned DHEA supplements as performance enhancing drugs, and because they are associated with liver damage and other negative health consequences. If you have a teen athlete or a child concerned about his muscular development, be aware of DHEA and other hormones, and talk with your child about the dangers and the unproven effectiveness of these substances.
Considerations
Because not all physicians agree on treatments or the interpretation of medical studies and clinical trials, you may find that your child's doctor recommends DHEA supplementation. Given the questions and concerns about DHEA and other hormones as they relate to the physical and mental development of kids and young adults, you may want to seek a second opinion. While your child's specific health concerns may warrant DHEA as a possible solution, it's always wise to consult more than one source to provide more information, perspective and peace of mind for you and your child.
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