DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. The adrenal glands secrete DHEA, which is a hormone that serves as a precursor to the male sex hormones known as androgens and the female sex hormones known as estrogens. In a laboratory, diosgenin, which is a chemical found in the root of the wild yam, is use to synthesize DHEA. DHEA supplements are used to treat a variety of medical conditions. However, no studies on long-term effects of DHEA have been conducted. Consult your physician before using any new treatment or herbal supplement. The Mayo Clinic warns that DHEA is not recommended for regular use without supervision by a licensed health professional.
Adrenal Insufficiency
Primary adrenal insufficiency, also called Addison's disease, is an endocrine disorder that occurs with insufficient production of certain hormones by the adrenal glands. Chronic and worsening fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite and weight loss are common symptoms of adrenal insufficiency. Conventional medical treatment involves replacing the hormones that the adrenal glands are not producing. Oral administration of synthetic hormones such as prednisone, dexamethasone and fludrocortisones acetate are standard treatment. According to MedlinePlus, there is conflicting information about whether taking DHEA can improve feelings of well-being, sexuality, depression, anxiety and other symptoms experienced by people with adrenal insufficiency. The staff of the Mayo Clinic emphasizes that adrenal insufficiency is a serious medical condition that should be treated under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, is a chronic autoimmune disease that may affect the skin, joints, kidneys and other organs. Joint pain, swelling, chest pain when taking a deep breath, fatigue and fever with no cause are just a few common symptoms of SLE. There is no cure for SLE and conventional medical treatment is aimed at controlling symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, the majority of clinical trials investigating the efficiency of DHEA in treating SLE symptoms support its use as an adjunct treatment. MedlinePlus says that the DHEA is being investigated and may eventually be approved by the FDA as a prescription drug for treating SLE and improving bone mineral density in women with SLE who are taking steroid medications for treatment.
Aging & Alzheimer's Disease
Some people try DHEA to slow or reverse the aging process. It seems to improve the skin's appearance in older people. MedlinePlus says DHEA, if taken by mouth, appears to increase skin thickness and moisture and can decrease facial age spots in elderly men and women. The staff of the Mayo Clinic notes that preliminary evidence suggests the possibility of topical DHEA as an effective anti-aging skin agent. DHEA is purported to improve memory and cognition among the elderly and to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. There are conflicting opinions among the scientific community as to whether DHEA can significantly improve cognitive performance and alter symptom severity among patients with Alzheimer's disease.
Boost Muscle Mass, Energy and Libido
Athletes and anyone wishing to increase muscle mass, strength and energy may use DHEA. DHEA use is banned by the National Collegiate Athletic Association. According to the Mayo Clinic, while the efficiency of DHEA to improve muscle strength is debatable, overall, current evidence in this area is negative. DHEA is used to correct erectile dysfunction and to improve sexual arousal in healthy men and women. Results of studies in this area vary and better research is necessary before its level of effectiveness can be rated.
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