DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone synthesized from cholesterol and released by the adrenal glands, which are small glands that lie next to your kidneys. Your body uses DHEA to make androgens and estrogens, which are the male and female sex hormones. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the levels of DHEA in your body peak at age 25 and then begin a steady decline thereafter.
Menopause
Menopause is the period of a woman's life when the ovaries stop releasing eggs, preventing pregnancy. In addition to the end of egg production, menopause is also characterized by decreased production of estrogen and progesterone as well as the cessation of menstruation. Menopause usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55. Common symptoms of menopause include decreased libido, mood swings, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness and irregular heartbeat.
DHEA Use
Because DHEA levels decline with age and DHEA is used to make estrogen, DHEA supplements have increased in popularity among perimenopausal women. Proponents of DHEA supplement use claim that the supplements can help increase the levels of estrogen in the body, thus relieving some of the symptoms of menopause, including vaginal dryness, decreased sex drive and decreased metabolism. Proponents of DHEA supplement use also claim that supplementation can help improve mood and overall sense of well-being. While some research has shown that DHEA supplements can raise the levels of certain hormones in postmenopausal women, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that clinical studies show conflicting results about whether or not DHEA can help improve symptoms.
Dosage
DHEA supplements are available as capsules, tablets and injections. According to MayoClinic.com, commonly used dosages range from 25 to 200 mg per day, depending on your individual condition. Studies have only followed DHEA supplement use for a period of one year.
Always talk with your doctor or health care provider before taking any supplements, including DHEA. You should not take supplements without proper medical supervision.
Warnings
Because your body can convert DHEA into estrogen and testosterone, theoretically, the use of DHEA supplements can increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, especially in women with history of these cancers. Hormone-sensitive cancers include breast cancer and ovarian cancer. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that researchers have yet to definitively determine whether supplements can increase cancer rate in menopausal women.
