DHEA is a natural steroid hormone that some use as a nutritional supplement. It has low side effects at low doses but can cause acne, high blood pressure, and masculine characteristics at high doses. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid it, and those with certain conditions affected by estrogen levels should not supplement with DHEA. It can improve mood and treat lupus symptoms, but there is insufficient evidence of its efficacy in muscle development. It may improve bone density in older patients with osteoporosis.
A steroid hormone produced naturally by the body, some people use dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) as a nutritional supplement. DHEA has a low incidence of side effects when taken for short periods of time at low doses. However, when taken for long periods of time at high doses, DHEA can cause side effects that range from mild to potentially serious. Side effects of DHEA include acne, high blood pressure, and, in women, deeper voices and facial hair growth. Some people should only use DHEA under the supervision of a doctor, if at all.
The side effects of DHEA generally become more pronounced when the hormone is taken in high doses. High doses of DHEA are defined as 50-100 milligrams or more per day. Nausea, high blood pressure, and acne are the most commonly reported side effects. DHEA side effects also include altering how sugar works in the body, so people with diabetes should avoid it. Studies have shown that DHEA lowers high lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, so patients who have low HDL should talk to their doctors before using the hormone.
In women, DHEA side effects can include facial hair growth, deepening of their voices, and irregular menstrual cycles. DHEA, as it occurs naturally in the body, is secreted by the adrenal glands and increases the body’s androgen levels. High levels of these hormones activate androgen receptors, resulting in masculine characteristics. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) symptoms may worsen with DHEA supplementation. Pregnant or lactating women should avoid DHEA.
Other DHEA side effects relate to its ramifications on how estrogen is used by the body. Women who have conditions that are affected by estrogen levels should not supplement with DHEA. Such conditions include uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and cancers of the reproductive organs.
Studies have shown that DHEA, a cortisol antagonist, can improve mood and help treat mild depression. However, if a person is suffering from a clinical mood disorder, they should not use DHEA. The hormone has also been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of lupus. DHEA is often used as an aid to build muscle mass, but clinical trials have shown insufficient evidence of its efficacy in muscle development.
Proponents of DHEA supplementation claim that the hormone can improve episodic memory in the elderly. However, medical research for this claim has provided inconclusive results. Studies have shown that DHEA may be effective in improving bone density in older patients suffering from osteoporosis.
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