DHEA is a supplement sold in many pharmacies and nutrition stores, available in pill formulations by itself or combined with other chemicals. Manufacturers of DHEA list the supplement's purported, non FDA-approved benefits, claiming that it can boost your immune system, enhance your energy and even build muscle. Although the National Library of Medicine reports that DHEA produces few side effects when used as directed, speak with a physician about how safe DHEA is for you.
Dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone produced naturally in the body. Many of DHEA's potential safety concerns relate to the chemical's effect on hormone levels in your body. DHEA is a steroid and works in the body by producing testosterone and estrogen. Like other steroids, it has both androgenic and anabolic properties, or those affecting both male characteristics and muscle growth, respectively.
Adverse Effects
Common adverse effects of DHEA tend to occur when you exceed the recommended maximum dose of 50 mg per day, according to the National Library of Medicine. These potentially unwanted and unsafe effects include emotional changes, acne, irregular heartbeat and insomnia. For men, DHEA may cause aggressiveness, high blood pressure, testicular wasting or shrinkage, and gynecomastia, or the development of breasts.
Safety concerns specific to women include development of male characteristics such as body hair growth, unhealthy weight gain around the waist, deepening of the voice and alterations to menstruation, reports MayoClinic.com. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not use DHEA supplements.
Long-term Safety of DHEA
Associated side effects of taking DHEA supplements can be potentially unsafe long-term. DHEA use may increase the chances of a person developing prostate, breast and ovarian cancers, according to MayoClinic.com. The increased blood pressure DHEA can cause may also lead to an enhanced risk for heart disease later in life.
Potential Interactions
A key consideration when determining how safe it is to supplement with DHEA involves the chemical's interactions with certain drugs. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that DHEA may interact adversely with drugs such as insulin, prescription steroid medications including estrogen and prednisone, influenza vaccines and barbiturates. If you are taking any of these medications, or have any concerns about the safety of using DHEA while you are taking any type of medication, talk to your doctor.
DHEA and Your Health
To protect your health and prevent serious adverse effects from DHEA, consult your physician before taking DHEA, especially if you have any history of liver or heart disease, diabetes, cancer or any serious health condition. Your doctor will take into account your personal medical history as well as that of your family to determine whether DHEA is a safe option for you.
Member Comments