DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate)

DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that is produced primarily by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts made in the ovaries and testes. It is also known by other names, including DHEA-S and androstenolone sulfate.

DHEAS is a type of androgen, which is a male sex hormone, but it is present in both men and women. It is a precursor hormone, meaning it is a building block for other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. DHEAS levels in the body are highest in young adulthood and then decline with age.

Benefits and Uses

While DHEAS supplements are often marketed with anti-aging claims, much of the research on their benefits is inconclusive or mixed. Some potential benefits and uses that have been studied include:

• Vaginal Atrophy: Prescription DHEA is approved for treating vaginal dryness and painful intercourse in postmenopausal women.

• Depression: Some studies suggest DHEA may be effective in treating depression, particularly in people with low DHEA levels.

• Aging Skin: Taking DHEA orally or applying it to the skin might improve the appearance of aging skin in some individuals.

• Infertility: Some research indicates that DHEA supplementation before in vitro fertilization (IVF) may improve the chances of pregnancy.

• Adrenal Insufficiency: DHEA may be helpful for women with adrenal insufficiency who are taking glucocorticoids.

Side Effects and Risks

DHEA is a hormone, and its use can have side effects. The risks may be higher with high doses or long-term use.

• Hormonal Effects: DHEA can increase levels of androgens (male hormones), which may lead to side effects such as oily skin, acne, and increased body and facial hair growth (hirsutism) in women.

• Hormone-Sensitive Cancers: DHEA might increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers. Individuals with a history of or at risk for these cancers should not use DHEA.

• Cholesterol Levels: DHEA may reduce HDL ("good") cholesterol levels.

• Psychiatric Disorders: DHEA may worsen psychiatric disorders and increase the risk of mania in people with mood disorders.

• Other Side Effects: Other potential side effects include upset stomach, headaches, and mood changes.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• May be effective for treating specific conditions like vaginal atrophy and some cases of depression.

• Can be a precursor to other important hormones.

Cons:

• Many of its claimed benefits, particularly for anti-aging and physical performance, lack strong scientific evidence.

• It is a hormone and can have serious side effects, including increasing the risk of certain cancers.

• The quality control of over-the-counter DHEA supplements can be poor.

• DHEA is banned by many sports organizations.

Dosage and Frequency

There is no universally recommended dose for DHEA supplements, as they are not regulated like prescription drugs. Dosages in clinical studies often range from 25 mg to 50 mg daily. For specific conditions, higher doses have been studied:

• Infertility: 75 mg to 90 mg daily

• Lupus: 100 mg to 200 mg daily

• Depression: 30 mg to 500 mg daily

It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional before taking DHEA, as they can determine if it is appropriate and recommend a safe dosage.

Half-Life and Detection Time

The half-life and detection time of DHEA and DHEAS are different.

• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): Has a very short half-life of about 15 to 38 minutes. This means it is rapidly cleared from the bloodstream.

• DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate): Has a much longer half-life, ranging from 7 to 22 hours, with some sources suggesting up to a full day. Because of its longer half-life and stability, DHEAS is a more reliable marker for long-term supplementation.

For drug testing, while DHEA itself may be cleared quickly, its metabolites, such as testosterone and estrogen, can remain active for up to 24-36 hours. Athletes may test positive even days after their last use, depending on the dose, duration, and form of DHEA.

Hormonal Effects (Sterogenic, Progestogenic, Prolactin)

• Sterogenic: DHEAS is a "prohormone" that acts as a precursor for the synthesis of other steroid hormones, including androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens. DHEAS has been shown to enhance the first step of steroid hormone biosynthesis, leading to an increased formation of pregnenolone, which is a key building block for all other steroid hormones.

• Progestogenic: DHEAS itself does not have significant progestogenic activity. However, its metabolites and the downstream effects on other hormones could indirectly impact the progestogenic pathway.

• Prolactin: Research suggests a complex relationship between DHEA and prolactin. DHEA has been shown to boost the release of prolactin from the pituitary gland. In some cases, elevated DHEAS levels have been associated with hyperprolactinemia (high prolactin levels), and treating the high prolactin can normalize DHEAS.

Anabolic Androgenic Ratio

DHEA is considered a weak androgen. The anabolic-androgenic ratio is a measure of a substance's ability to promote muscle growth (anabolic effects) versus its ability to cause male-characteristic development (androgenic effects).

While it's difficult to provide a precise number for DHEAS, it is known to have a very low anabolic-androgenic ratio compared to substances like testosterone. For reference, testosterone is often used as a baseline with a ratio of 100:100. DHEA's androgenic potency is estimated to be roughly 5% of testosterone's, and its anabolic effects are similarly weak. Therefore, a rough estimate of its anabolic-androgenic ratio might be something like 10:50, reflecting its weak effects but still possessing some androgenic qualities.