Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that is naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. DHEA levels peak around age 25 and then steadily decline with age. By the time women reach menopause, DHEA levels are only about 10-20% of what they were during peak years. This decline in DHEA is thought to be related to many of the unpleasant symptoms associated with menopause.
Some key facts about DHEA and menopause:
- DHEA supplements may help alleviate menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal dryness, low libido, and mood disorders. Multiple studies have found that taking 25-50 mg per day of DHEA significantly improves menopause symptoms compared to placebo. The beneficial effects may be due to DHEA restoring declining hormone levels.
- DHEA may improve bone mineral density and reduce fracture risk. DHEA has weak estrogen-like effects which may help maintain bone mass. A 2-year study in postmenopausal women found 50 mg/day of DHEA increased spine bone mineral density compared to placebo.
- DHEA levels have been associated with sexual function. Lower DHEA levels correlate with loss of libido and sexual function in menopausal women. Restoring DHEA to youthful levels may improve sexual satisfaction.
- DHEA supplements boost circulating DHEA levels as expected. However, they only lead to slight increases in testosterone and estrogen levels. This suggests DHEA's effects are not solely due to raising sex hormone levels.
- The benefits of DHEA supplementation appear small. While many studies show statistically significant improvement in menopause symptoms with DHEA supplementation, the actual magnitude of benefit is modest.
- Long-term safety is uncertain. DHEA supplements have been well-tolerated in studies lasting up to 2 years. However, the long-term effects of artificially raising DHEA levels are unknown.
- DHEA levels should be monitored with supplementation. DHEA doses should not exceed 50 mg/day. Levels of DHEA metabolites like testosterone should also be periodically checked for any abnormalities.
- Those with hormonally-influenced cancers should avoid DHEA. DHEA could potentially worsen hormone-sensitive conditions like breast and prostate cancer. Patients with these cancers should not supplement without medical supervision.
So in summary, DHEA supplementation may provide mild-to-modest relief from menopausal symptoms like hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, poor libido, and bone loss in some women. While it appears relatively safe in the short-term, the long-term safety of DHEA supplementation is less clear. Usage should be discussed with a doctor, with appropriate monitoring of DHEA and hormone levels. DHEA is not recommended for those with a history of hormonally-influenced cancers.
If you are experiencing difficult menopause symptoms, consider being evaluated by the hormone experts at Hormone Harmony. Our experienced physicians offer comprehensive hormone testing to get to the root cause of your symptoms. We provide customized bioidentical hormone therapy, including DHEA if appropriate, to help women find relief during this transition. Contact us today to learn more and schedule your appointment! Our personalized programs aim to make menopause easier so you can continue thriving in good health.
