Depression is a medical illness with a variety of possible causes, including abnormal brain chemistry and hormone imbalances. DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that also can be taken as a supplement. While DHEA might not be effective for everyone, this hormone might help alleviate symptoms of depression for some people. Prior to using DHEA for your depression, talk with your doctor about whether this is appropriate and safe for your situation.
DHEA
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone naturally made by the adrenal glands. This hormone helps make progesterone and estrogen, and body levels of this hormone usually peak at the age of 25 and slowly decrease with age, states the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although there is no proof of causation, low levels of DHEA have been associated with heart disease, memory loss and osteoporosis. In supplement form, it has been used to relieve symptoms of menopause, depression, erectile dysfunction and adrenal insufficiency.
Depression
Clinical depression is more than simply feeling down or sad; it is a mood disorder that is likely caused by chemical imbalances in the brain. These imbalances might be hereditary or a result of life events, says PubMed Health. Symptoms of depression can interfere with your activities of daily life and can include agitation or irritability, significant change in appetite, feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness, sleep disturbances and thoughts of suicide or self-harm. The condition is treatable and many people with depression find relief from taking antidepressants and participating in psychotherapy. If you think you might have depression, talk with your doctor about your symptoms and treatment options.
DHEA and Depression
A doctor can test you for a DHEA deficiency; low levels of this hormone can cause adrenal insufficiency, which in turn affects cortisol, also affecting mood. DHEA might be helpful in relieving symptoms of depression for some people. According to a 1999 study by O.M. Wolkowitz, et al, that was published in the "American Journal of Psychiatry," subjects taking DHEA had lower depression scale ratings than those who took a placebo. In 2010, a study by M.M. Larzelere, et al, published in "Primary Care," did not find enough evidence that DHEA effectively relieved symptoms of depression. More research needs to be done on this topic, so consult your doctor about whether this treatment could be helpful to you.
Considerations
Do not use DHEA as a substitute for getting medical attention for your depression. Depression is a clinical condition that is treatable and a health care provider can work with you to get the treatment that will work best. Before taking DHEA, tell your doctor about any other medications or supplements you are be taking, as it can interact with various kinds of drugs, including corticosteroids, hormone replacement therapy, diabetes medications and barbiturates.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Dehydroepiandrosterone; Dr. Steven Ehrlich; June 2009
- PubMed Health; Major Depression; Dr. Paul Berger; February 2010
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Double-Blind Treatment of Major Depression with Dehydroepiandrosterone; OM Wolkowitz, et al; 1999
- "Primary Care"; Complementary and Alternative Medicine Usage for Behavioral Health Indications; MM Larzelere, et al; 2010
