Is DHEA Dangerous

Is DHEA dangerous? This seems to be a question that more and more women are asking about this increasingly popular supplement.

DHEA is a steroid hormone that is naturally occurring in the human body. DHEA stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone. It is produced in the adrenal gland, and production of this hormone drops sharply as people age. DHEA is a precursor to sex hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, which serve vital functions in the human body.

DHEA is widely available as supplements. Manufacturers’ claims about DHEA include:

• DHEA promotes weight loss.
• DHEA promotes muscle gain, which supports a healthy metabolic process.
• DHEA can help to improve libido and sexual functioning.
• It stimulates an increase in sex hormones.
• It can help slow the aging process or reverse age-related symptoms.
• It may help promote an overall sense of well-being.

Are the above claims true? Few studies have been done about the benefits of DHEA, while there are many known risks of supplementation. This leads many to ask, is DHEA dangerous?

• DHEA is an androgenic steroid and can lead to hair loss, especially in men. This is because DHEA increases levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a major cause of hair loss.
• DHEA can cause acne.
• Women taking DHEA can experience irregularities with their menstrual cycle.
• DHEA may deepen the voice in women.
• DHEA may cause facial hair growth.
• There is some evidence that using DHEA for long periods of time may increase the risk of several cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer and prostate cancer.
• In men, DHEA may cause prostate enlargement.
• Because it is a precursor to testosterone, DHEA may lead to increased agitation and irritability.
• DHEA supplementation is contraindicated in those who have diabetes, liver problems, psychiatric conditions or those with a heightened risk of developing cancer (such as smokers or those with a family history of cancer).
• DHEA use is contraindicated in men with prostate cancer or prostate disease.
• Women with estrogen-dependent cancers shouldn’t take DHEA without consultation with their oncologist.
• Those with liver disease should monitor enzyme activity carefully while taking DHEA.
• Prior to taking DHEA, both men and women should have their doctors test their DHEA levels.
• Self-prescribing any powerful supplement that changes your body chemistry or hormone levels is not advised. Contact your personal care physician before taking DHEA.
• Taking large doses of DHEA can stimulate cortisol production. Cortisol is indicated, especially in women, in adrenal fatigue and excess weight gain.

The National Institute of Aging (NIA), which is a subsidiary of the National Institute of Health has issued a statement on hormone supplementation, including supplementation of DHEA.

According to NIA, “Hormone supplements cannot replicate your body’s natural variation. Because hormonal balance is so intricate, too much of a hormone in your system may actually cause the opposite of your intended effect.”

They further go on to say that self-medicating with over the counter hormone-like supplements, such as DHEA can be dangerous because such products are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. The “potential negative side effects” are likely misunderstood or undefined.

What’s the bottom line? The National Institute on Aging does not recommend taking any over-the-counter hormone-like anti-aging remedies such as DHEA because the effectiveness hasn’t been proven, and little is known about the long-term health risks. With DHEA, for instance, there have been no studies of use over a term any longer than one year. According to the NIA, there may even be negative side-effects from DHEA, even when taken for a very short term. In the end, the NIA cautions that DHEA may cause more harm than good.

The more appropriate question may be, is DHEA dangerous for you? The answer to that question is best discussed with your doctor or personal health care provider. Your physician can help you to do a risk versus benefit analysis to determine the answer to whether or not you can benefit from the supplementation of DHEA.

Working with your physician can also help you to determine a proper dosage of DHEA to meet your needs, and your health care provider can determine whether or not your natural DHEA levels are low enough to warrant the inherent risks of supplementation..

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