Systemic lupus erythematosus, commonly referred to as lupus or SLE, is an autoimmune disorder that affects the whole body. In lupus, your body's immune system attacks its own healthy cells, leading to long-term inflammation and damage, which causes joint pain, skin rashes, gastrointestinal disturbances and neurological problems. In severe cases, lupus can cause heart and kidney failure. It is usually treated with immunosuppressants and corticosteroids. You can use DHEA as a natural way to treat lupus. Check with your rheumatologist before taking it, however, to prevent potentially dangerous drug interactions and unwanted side effects.
About DHEA
DHEA, which stands for dehydroepiandrosterone, is an androgen hormone that is naturally produced within your body. It is secreted by the adrenal glands; the brain; and in males, the gonads. Your body needs DHEA to function properly, as it regulates muscle mass, energy, libido and bone density. Levels are often lower than normal in people with lupus. The corticosteroids used to treat lupus compound this problem by further decreasing it.
DHEA and Lupus
Taking DHEA daily can reduce the frequency and severity of lupus flare-ups, according to a study published in the November 2002 issue of "Arthritis & Rheumatism." DHEA is considered an immune modulator. It works by lessening your body's inflammatory immune response, which leads to a reduction in symptoms and by regulating your body's production of cytokines. Cytokines, small proteins that regulate the immune system, are sometimes overproduced by the body, leading to autoimmune diseases such as lupus.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for the treatment of lupus is 200 mg of DHEA a day, taken orally, according to an August 2008 review published in "Current Rheumatology Reports." It is typically taken for six to 12 months. DHEA has only been studied in patients taking it for up to one year, so it is recommended that you do not take it for longer than that without approval from your doctor.
Adverse Effects and Precautions
DHEA is generally well-tolerated, but it can cause fatigue, headaches, acne and nasal congestion. In women, DHEA can cause irregularities with menstruation. In more serious cases, it can sometimes causes heart arrhythmias. For this reason, you shouldn't take it if you have a pre-existing heart condition. It is also contraindicated in people with a history of blood clots or liver problems. Taking more than the recommended dose over a long period of time can lead to Cushing's syndrome, a condition that causes rapid weight gain; high blood pressure; heart disease; and rarely, skin necrosis. Speaking with your physician before and during supplementation with DHEA is the best way to prevent problems such as these.
References
- PubMed Health: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- "Current Rheumatology Reports"; Dehydroepiandrosterone in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus; Amr H Sawalha, et al.; August 2008
- "Arthritis & Rheumatism"; Dehydroepiandrosterone Treatment of Women with Mild-to-Moderate Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Multicenter Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial; Deh-Ming Chang, et al.; November 2002
- MayoClinic.com; DHEA Safety; April 2011
