DHEA, an abbreviation for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a naturally occurring hormone that your body uses to make sex hormones. Women often take it for menopausal symptoms and to slow aging and promote healthy bones and weight loss. However, the effectiveness of these uses is unproven as of 2011. DHEA does cause side effects and could worsen certain hormone-sensitive cancers and other conditions in women. Do not take DHEA supplements without talking to your doctor first.
Side Effects
There is a lack of scientific evidence to demonstrate the safety of DHEA in women, particularly at high doses or for long-term use, according to a January 2007 review of existing scientific literature on the use of DHEA in women in the journal "Human Reproduction Update." DHEA may cause hormonal side effects in women including disruption in their menstrual cycles, growth of facial hair, hair loss, acne or greasy skin, increased sweating, weight gain around the waist, emotional changes and a deepening of the voice. Other side effects that may affect women include headache, insomnia, indigestion, tiredness, nasal congestion, rapid or irregular heartbeat and high blood pressure.
Hormonal Risks
DHEA can affect how estrogen works in the body; therefore, if you have a condition that is worsened by estrogen, do not use DHEA without talking to your doctor first. Estrogen-sensitive conditions include endometriosis and uterine fibroids as well as cancers of the breast, ovaries and uterus. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, DHEA's hormonal effects may be dangerous for the baby. DHEA may also worsen polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal imbalance that can cause infertility, diabetes and other health problems. The hormonal effects of DHEA may also change blood sugar levels, the way your body responds to insulin, cholesterol levels, thyroid hormone levels and adrenal gland function, according to MayoClinic.com. Because of these effects, if you have diabetes, hyperglycemia, high cholesterol, thyroid disease or other hormonal conditions, do not take DHEA unless you talk to your doctor first.
Mood Disorders
If you have depression, bipolar disorder or another mood disorder, talk to your doctor before taking DHEA. DHEA may cause excitability, impulsiveness, irritability, agitation, delusions, psychosis or sexually inappropriate behavior.
Additional Risks
If you have liver problems, DHEA may worsen your condition, so do not take it unless you've cleared it with your doctor. Also, there can be quality problems with DHEA supplements that result in products that contain little of the hormone or that contain much higher amounts than what is reported on the label. Be sure to purchase any DHEA supplements from a reputable source.
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