The hormone dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, occurs naturally in a healthy body, as your adrenal glands produce it. DHEA is then used in the production of the sex hormones androgen and estrogen. Some studies suggest that people with the digestive condition Crohn's disease have low levels of DHEA, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. At the time of publication, using DHEA supplements is not a medically approved way of tackling Crohn's disease. Always speak to your doctor for the most suitable form of treatment.
DHEA
Though your body manufactures DHEA, the amount gradually decreases over time. Your DHEA peaks at around 25 years of age, according to the University of Maryland Medical Department. Adults over age 70 have 80 percent less DHEA than at their DHEA peak. This progressive lowering has led scientists to speculate that DHEA deficiency could play a role in everything from Alzheimer's to osteoporosis. Crohn's, though not a condition associated with aging, does appear to occur in people with low levels of DHEA.
Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease has no recognized cure in July 2011. The condition causes the gut, particularly the large intestine and colon, to become inflamed. This triggers different symptoms depending on the severity and location of the flare-up. Symptoms range from diarrhea and abdominal pain, to serious fatigue and weight loss. DHEA has no direct action in the gut. For example, it doesn't work as a digestive enzyme or similar substance. Nonetheless, there may be some link between low DHEA and Crohn's.
Efficacy
As of July 2011, MayoClinic.com lists DHEA as a category "C" treatment for Crohn's. That means that evidence for its effectiveness is not yet clear. Nonetheless, MayoClinic.com does point out that DHEA appears to be safe for short-term use for people with Crohn's disease. A study published in February 2003 in "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics" indicates that using DHEA supplements to treat Crohn's patients shows some promise. Six out of seven participants with Crohn's had reduced symptoms. However, the study doesn't offer conclusive proof of efficacy.
Risks
MedlinePlus lists DHEA as "possibly safe" in smaller doses for no more than a few months at a time. Yet, even in these lower doses, it may trigger acne, stomach trouble and facial hair growth in women. Taken over a longer period in doses over 50 to 100 mg each day, the supplement is "Possibly unsafe." Side effects can include lowering the amount of HDL lipids in the blood, substances which help keep your harmful cholesterol levels low.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Dehydroepiandrosterone; June 20, 2009
- MayoClinic.com; DHEA Evidence; July 1, 2011
- "Alimentary Pharmacology and Therapeutics"; Patients With Refractory Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis Respond to Dehydroepiandrosterone: A Pilot Study; February 2003
- MedlinePlus; DHEA; June 14, 2011
