dehydroepiandrosterone

Action and Spectrum

Action and Spectrum 

DHEA is used as sex hormones, which are important for the growth and generation of healthy eggs, in female infertility treatment. It has a beneficial effect on immune response regulation. It also helps in conditions such as inflammation, cancer protective and neuro-protective activity. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency defined 

>10% 

Vaginal discharge (14.2%) 

1 to 10% 

Weight fluctuation 

Abnormal pap smear 

0.1% to 1% 

Hypertension 

Uterine polyps 

Cervical polyps 

Benign breast mass 

Breast cancer 

Ovarian cancer 

Frequency not defined 

Pulmonary embolism 

Erythema multiforme 

Vascular purpura 

Chloasma 

Erythema nodosum 

Gall bladder disease 

Pancreatitis 

Dementia 

Depression 

Mood disorders 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning  

No special black box warnings are available  

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication: 

Breast cancer 

Prostate cancer 

Pregnancy 

Lactation 

Diabetes 

Liver disease 

Kidney disease 

Caution: 

Endometriosis 

Ovarian cancer 

Uterine cancer 

PCOS 

Uterine fibroids 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

USFDA pregnancy category: Not assigned 

Lactation:  

Data about the excretion of dehydroepiandrosterone into breast milk is not known. It should be used with caution. 

Pregnancy categories:  

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

<b>Category B: There was a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category  

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

DHEA acts as an androgen precursor helping in the sexual development of muscles and libido. It also helps in the neurodegenerative diseases.  

Pharmacodynamics 

The steroidal hormone is released by the adrenal cortex’s Zonareticularis in an age-related manner. In peripheral target tissues, these hormones undergo a transformation from inactive precursors into active sex steroids. These hormones are essential for most endocrine system-related biological activities as well as for energy and vigor. It is a 19-carbon steroid hormone that is lipophilic and may be transformed by the enzyme sulphotransferase found in the organ of the liver and adrenal gland. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Limited information is available regarding the ADME 

Adminstartion

Administration 

It is administered orally, should be swallowed as a whole tablet along with meals. 

Intravaginal insert of DHEA should be administered into the vaginal before going to bed. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dehydroepiandrosterone 

Why do we use dehydroepiandrosterone? 

It is a hormone supplement that may increase sexual performance, reduce body fat, and strengthen bones. Elderly people or individuals with certain medical issues could benefit from it.