DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

What is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that is naturally produced in the adrenal glands, gonads, and the brain. It is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans. DHEA acts as a precursor, meaning the body can convert it into other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.

Other names for DHEA include:

• Androstenolone

• Prasterone (the generic name for the prescription vaginal insert version)

Natural DHEA levels typically peak in early adulthood and then gradually decline with age. This decline has led to its use in supplements for anti-aging and other purposes, though many of these claims lack strong scientific support.

Side Effects and Benefits

Benefits (supported by some research):

• Vaginal Atrophy: A prescription DHEA product (prasterone) is used to treat vaginal dryness and thinning of vaginal tissue in postmenopausal women.

• Depression: Some studies suggest that DHEA may be more effective than a placebo in treating depression, particularly in individuals with low DHEA levels.

• Aging Skin: Oral or topical DHEA might improve the appearance of aging skin in postmenopausal women and people over 60.

• Infertility: Taking DHEA before in-vitro fertilization (IVF) may improve the chances of pregnancy and a live birth in some cases.

Side Effects (possible, especially with high doses or long-term use):

• Hormonal Effects: Because DHEA converts into other hormones, it can lead to side effects related to increased androgen levels.

  • In women: Acne, oily skin, unwanted male-pattern hair growth (hirsutism), and a deeper voice.

  • In men: Breast enlargement (gynecomastia), and a potential decrease in sperm count.

• Cholesterol: DHEA might lower levels of HDL ("good") cholesterol.

• Cancer Risk: DHEA may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers.

• Psychiatric Effects: It can worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people with mood disorders.

• Other: Upset stomach, headaches, and liver problems.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• May be effective for specific conditions like vaginal atrophy and, in some cases, depression and female infertility.

• It is a naturally occurring hormone in the body.

Cons:

• Many of the anti-aging and performance-enhancing claims are not scientifically proven.

• It is not a regulated supplement, and product quality can be inconsistent.

• Potential for serious side effects, particularly with long-term or high-dose use.

• It can interfere with certain medications and medical conditions.

• Its use is banned by many sports organizations, including the NCAA.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no universally recommended dose for DHEA supplements, as they are not FDA-approved for general use. Dosages used in clinical studies vary widely depending on the condition being studied.

• Typical Doses in Studies: 25 mg to 50 mg per day.

• For Specific Conditions (in studies):

  • Depression: 30-450 mg/day

  • Female infertility (IVF): 75 mg/day

  • Lupus: up to 200 mg/day

• Prescription DHEA (Vaginal Insert): 6.5 mg nightly.

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking DHEA to determine if it is appropriate and to discuss the correct dosage and frequency for your specific situation.

Half-Life and Detection Time

• Half-life: The half-life of DHEA itself is very short, estimated to be about 15-38 minutes. However, its sulfated form, DHEA-S, has a much longer half-life of 7-22 hours, which makes DHEA-S a more stable and commonly measured marker in blood tests.

• Detection Time: The detection time for DHEA in anti-doping tests can vary. While DHEA itself is quickly metabolized, its metabolites (such as testosterone and androstenedione) can be detected for a much longer period. A general detection window can be several weeks, but specific times depend on the dosage, frequency, and individual metabolism. The fact that DHEA is a banned substance by many sports organizations highlights that it can be detected.

Sterogenic, Progestronic, and Prolactin Effects

• Sterogenic: DHEA is a steroid hormone and a precursor to other steroids, including androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens (like estradiol). Its primary mechanism of action is its conversion into these more potent hormones.

• Progestronic: While DHEA is not a progestin, its conversion to other hormones and its interactions with hormone receptors can indirectly influence the hormonal environment. However, it does not have a primary progestogenic effect. Some studies show no detectable binding of DHEA to the progesterone receptor.

• Prolactin: DHEA may influence prolactin levels, a hormone involved in lactation and other functions. Some studies suggest that DHEA can modulate the release of prolactin, but the interaction is complex and not fully understood. It may have an antagonistic effect on dopamine's inhibition of prolactin release.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

DHEA is considered a weak androgen on its own. It exerts its anabolic and androgenic effects primarily after being converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in peripheral tissues.

Because DHEA is a precursor, it does not have a fixed anabolic-to-androgenic ratio like synthetic steroids. Its effects are highly dependent on the body's internal enzymatic processes and the specific tissue where it is metabolized. It is inaccurate to assign a simple numerical ratio like 1:1 or 1:10. The anabolism and androgenic effects are a result of its conversion into other compounds, rather than direct action with a fixed potency.