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DHEA in Menopausal Women

Apr 27, 2011 | By Tomas Linnaeus
DHEA in Menopausal Women
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Androgens such as testosterone and androstenone play an important role in human health. Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA, appears particularly important in females. A 2011 report in the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism" showed high levels of androgens in older women with polycystic ovary disease. In contrast, a 2010 review in "Progress in Brain Research" stated that DHEA decreases in healthy older women. Enhancing natural androgens with supplemental DHEA may provide health benefits, but it also can cause side effects. Speak with a doctor before taking androgens.

Lower Kupperman Scores

Doctors use the Kupperman scale to assess the symptoms of menopause experienced by most older women. This scale was developed in New York during the 1950s. According to a 1998 article in "Maturitas," scores on the Kupperman reflect a combination of physician observations and patient reports. An investigation described in the 2000 volume of "Gynecological Endocrinology" looked at the effect of DHEA on Kupperman scores. Postmenopausal women received oral doses of the supplement each day for six months. Relative to baseline, this treatment reduced vasomotor symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats. The patients did not experience adverse events while taking DHEA, but the long-term effects of this steroid remain unknown.

Enhanced Sexual Health

The Kupperman scale does not measure indices of reproductive health. Many postmenopausal women experience sexual dysfunction, according to a 2008 article in "Obstetrics and Gynecology." Counseling and surgery remain viable options for older females, and hormone supplements can support these conventional treatments. An experiment presented in the 2009 edition of "Menopause" evaluated the impact of vaginal application of DHEA on sexual responses. Women received the steroid or a placebo for three months. Females given DHEA showed increased arousal, and experienced greater lubrication and better orgasms. Local application of the hormone kept side effects to a minimum. Vaginal drug delivery, either with a suppository or a cream, can cause external and internal irritation.

Reduced Vaginal Pain

Another limitation of the Kupperman scale is its failure to assess the impact of gonadal atrophy. An age-related reduction in estrogen, for example, causes a thinning of the vaginal walls. This effect occurs in most menopausal women, yet few seek treatment. According to a 2010 review in "Climacteric," many females feel uncomfortable discussing the pain often associated with intercourse. A study offered in the 2011 volume of the same journal tested the ability of vaginal DHEA to lessen this pain. Postmenopausal women received either the steroid or a placebo for three months. Relative to placebo, DHEA increased the thickness of the patients' vaginal walls. That positive change reduced the pain they felt during intercourse.

Anabolic Effects

Over-the-counter DHEA supplements have become popular because of their alleged ability to build muscle. Scientists remain skeptical about this anabolic effect, according to 2008 review in "American Family Physician." Yet, DHEA intake can increase muscle development under some conditions. A clinical trial reviewed in the 2010 edition of "Journal of the American Geriatrics Society" looked at the impact of DHEA on female athletic performance. Older women received oral doses of the hormone or an inert treatment for six months. They also performed a weekly training routine. Taking DHEA, relative to placebo, increased lower body performance and strength. The supplement also increased circulating levels of testosterone and estrogen. Side effects were comparable in both groups.

References

Article reviewed by Lisa Michael Last updated on: Apr 27, 2011

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