DHEA supplements: Are they safe? Or effective?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that naturally declines with age. DHEA supplements are often marketed as a way to boost energy, improve mood, and enhance physical and sexual health, and some people turn to them for these anti-aging benefits. But how effective are they, and are they safe to use?

What is DHEA?

DHEA is a hormone produced mainly by your adrenal glands, which are located just above the kidneys. Small amounts of DHEA are also made by the ovaries, testes, and in the brain.

DHEA plays a role in producing sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone. Levels of DHEA peak in your 20s and gradually decline as you age. The decrease in DHEA with age has been associated with reductions in cognition, mood, and lifespan

DHEA for aging: Fact or fiction?

Synthetic, or man-made, DHEA is available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, creams, and gels. Because of its connection with aging, many people hope supplementing DHEA can help counteract age-related changes. But what does the research show?

In limited, small studies, DHEA supplements taken by mouth, as well as topical DHEA applied to the skin, were shown to enhance skin hydration, improve skin collagen production, and slow age-related thinning of the skin.

When it comes to other anti-aging effects, the evidence is lacking. According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, a resource that provides information about vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies, DHEA does not appear to influence the aging process. According to this database, DHEA supplementation has not been shown to improve cognitive function, bone strength, muscle strength, or physical performance in older adults.

Other benefits of DHEA? What the evidence says

DHEA has been studied for various potential health benefits, including improving physical performance, mood, and hormonal balance. While some studies show promising results, findings are inconsistent, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness in these areas.

Physical strength

One meta-analysis found that DHEA supplements increased lean body mass and decreased body fat. But whether these changes in body composition improve physical strength is not clear. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database reports taking DHEA does not result in strength gains for most adults.

Depression

There's some preliminary evidence that DHEA might have a beneficial effect on symptoms of depression, but the evidence is not considered to be of high quality. DHEA is not a first-line therapy for depression.

Symptoms of menopause

There is evidence DHEA can help improve thinning of vaginal tissue (vaginal atrophy). Vaginal inserts containing DHEA, which are available by prescription, may help decrease pain during sex in postmenopausal women. DHEA has not shown consistent evidence of benefiting other menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Sexual function

DHEA is sometimes marketed to enhance sexual function, particularly in people experiencing low sex drive due to aging or hormonal imbalances. Research shows mixed results, with some studies finding minor improvements in several areas of sexual function such as sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, pain, orgasm, and the frequency of sexual activity. However, other studies show no effect. More research is needed to explore the effects of DHEA supplementation on sexual function.

Risks and side effects of DHEA

DHEA is generally considered safe for use for up to two years, at doses up to 50 milligrams (mg) per day. Mild side effects may include acne, upset stomach, and changes in mood.

DHEA should not be used by anyone who:

• is pregnant or breastfeeding
• has liver problems
• has polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Be aware that higher doses or longer-term use of DHEA may increase the risk of serious side effects. For example:

• Hormone-sensitive conditions. DHEA can affect estrogen levels and may worsen hormone-sensitive conditions like breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and endometriosis.
• Diabetes concerns. DHEA can interfere with insulin. If you have diabetes, you should closely monitor your blood sugar levels.
• Heart health. DHEA might lower protective HDL cholesterol.
• Mood disorders. DHEA can cause excitability, impulsiveness, and irritability in people with mood disorders.
• Medication interactions. DHEA may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, hormone therapies, certain cancer treatments, and antidepressants.

As with other supplements, DHEA is not regulated by the FDA. As a result, the quality and content of these products can vary.

Let your doctors know if you are taking DHEA or if you plan to take it.