DHEA is a hormone made primarily by the adrenal glands and then changed in the body to testosterone and estrogen, the hormones that affect sexual development and function. Some women who are menopausal use DHEA to help increase bone mineral density. Also, menopausal women apply DHEA inside the vagina to help strengthen the vaginal walls. However, DHEA may cause potentially dangerous side effects, so if you are in menopause, first consult with your doctor before taking DHEA.
Sources and Dosage
DHEA supplements are available in capsule, tablet and injectable form. You can buy supplements labeled as natural DHEA, which are made from wild yam or soy products, but your body cannot make DHEA from these products. The Palo Alto Medical Foundation, or PAMF, suggests DHEA doses of 5 to 15 mg for women with low blood levels of DHEA. Daily doses above 50 to 100 mg may increase the risk of side effects.
Less Severe Effects
DHEA is considered generally safe when used in recommended doses for short periods of time, states the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. However, side effects may occur such as stomach distress, acne, and hair loss. Other potential side effects include tiredness, nasal congestion, and fast or irregular heartbeat. In women, the most common side effects are emotional changes, headache, and insomnia.
Potentially Serious Effects
Because DHEA is a hormone, many of its side effects are related to its hormonal actions. Women may have an abnormal development of male sexual characteristics including greasy skin, facial hair, increased sweating, weight gain around the waist, and a deeper voice. DHEA may also increase the risk of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, and other hormone-sensitive cancers in women. Other side effects may include agitation, hallucinations, mania, anxiety, irritability and psychotic behavior.
Considerations
You should not take DHEA if you have irregular heart rhythms, blood clotting disorders or liver ailments. If you have diabetes, high cholesterol, or thyroid problems, your doctor will need to monitor your blood sugar, cholesterol and thyroid levels and make changes in your medicines as needed. Do not take DHEA if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as uterine fibroids or breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer because DHEA may worsen these conditions.
