Dehydroepiandrosterone, usually called DHEA, is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that is a precursor to both male and female sex hormones. Levels of this hormone are often low in cases of adrenal insufficiency, Type 2 diabetes, AIDS and kidney disease. Because chronic fatigue syndrome is often linked to disordered adrenal function, some people take DHEA to treat this condition.
A Preliminary Warning
The fact that DHEA is sold in health food stores and doesn't require a prescription does not mean it is safe at all doses. DHEA is a precursor to sex hormones, and high doses could theoretically carry some of the same risks, including acne and mood changes such as irritability and aggression. In women, common side effects include menstrual irregularity and emotional changes. People with a history of irregular heartbeats, liver disorders and clotting should never take this substance unless advised to do so by a doctor.
DHEA and Chronic Fatigue
A study published in the October 2005 issue of "Neuro Endocrinology Letters" found that chronic fatigue patients did in fact have low levels of DHEA. Further, low levels of this substance correlated with the premature activation of T-cells, suggesting that DHEA deficiencies may be involved in the immune system activation and inflammatory processes that are a hallmark of this disorder. Another study also found lowered DHEA levels in addition to higher levels of aluminum and cholesterol.
High DHEA Levels In Some Fatigue Patients
While many studies of DHEA and chronic fatigue show that patients have lower levels of this substance than controls, this result is not universal. A study published in the July 2004 issue of "Psychoneuroendocrinology" found that chronic fatigue patients had higher, and not lower, levels of DHEA, and that higher DHEA levels were correlated with higher levels of self-reported disability. However, the sample size, which consisted of only 16 patients and 16 controls, was small, a fact that makes it difficult to draw firm conclusions.
DHEA and Self-Treatment
The Mayo Clinic website lists common doses as ranging between 50 mg and 200 mg, and recommends that people under 18 not take this substance because it may interfere with proper hormone levels. Because taking DHEA involves the risk of some severe side effects, have your DHEA levels checked by a physician to determine whether you are deficient in this substance and would in fact benefit from supplementation. She can also monitor your reactions to it and adjust the dose if you develop side effects.
References
- Mayo Clinic: DHEA
- Mayo Clinic: DHEA: Safety
- "Neurology and Endocrinology Letters"; Decreased Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate But Not Insulin-Like Growth Factor in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) For the Inflammatory Response in CFS; M. Maes, et al. October 2005
- "Brain Research Bulletin"; Serume Concentrations of Some Metals and Steroids In Patients with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome With Reference to Neurological and Cognitive Abnormalities; S.J. Van Rensburg,et al.; May 2001
- "Psychoneuroendocrinology"; Levels of DHEA and DHEAS and Reponse to CRH and Hydrocortisone Treatment in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome; A.J. Cleare, et al; July 2004
- Mayo Clinic: DHEA: Dosing
