dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

DHEA is believed to function as a prohormone, which means that it may be transformed by the body into other hormones including oestrogen and testosterone. Because of this, it is occasionally referred to as a “parent hormone.”  

DHEA is thought to affect the body in several ways, including enhancing immunological response, boosting muscular development, and lowering inflammation. The specific ways that DHEA exerts these benefits, meanwhile, are still not entirely known. 

Due to its function as a precursor to other hormones, DHEA is known to have a broad variety of impacts on the body. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Decreased HDL cholesterol 

Hypomania 

Menstrual irregularities 

Nasal congestion 

Abdominal pain 

Hypertension 

Fatigue 

Insomnia 

Psychosis 

Sexual inappropriateness 

Irritability 

Hirsutism 

Liver dysfunction 

Mania 

Hypo/hyperglycemia 

Voice deepening (high dose) 

Increased risk of hormone-sensitive tumors (very high dose) 

Headache 

Acne 

Hair loss 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication: 

• DHEA is a hormone precursor that the body may use to make other hormones including testosterone and oestrogen. DHEA supplements are thus not recommended for anyone with a history of hormone-sensitive malignancies. 
• Because there is little knowledge on the safety of DHEA supplements during these times, they should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

Caution: 

• DHEA supplements have the potential to alter hormone levels in the body, which can be especially problematic for those who already have hormonal imbalances. For this reason, those who are contemplating taking DHEA supplements but have illnesses like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal insufficiency should proceed with caution. 
• Some people’s use of DHEA supplements has been linked to liver damage. Those who have liver problems should exercise caution if they’re thinking about using DHEA supplements. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A 

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. 

Category B: There were lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the foetus 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 available 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 

Adrenal glands normally create the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These supplements are synthetic forms of this hormone that are sold as herbal supplements. DHEA supplements have a complicated pharmacology since the body can convert them into other hormones like estrogen and testosterone 

Pharmacodynamics 

Multiple receptors have a role in the body’s response to DHEA supplementation. The pregnane X receptor (PXR), estrogen receptors and androgen receptors are hypothesized to interact with DHEA. Its supplements may have a range of physiological impacts on the body as a result of these interactions. 

Pharmacokinetics 

Absorption   

DHEA supplements are normally taken orally, where they are digested and absorbed by the body. The supplement’s formulation may affect the absorption rate, which is often regarded as moderate. 

Distribution 

DHEA supplements are dispersed throughout the body after absorption. The distribution of DHEA can also be impacted by the liver’s metabolism, which can turn it into other hormones including testosterone and estrogen. 

Metabolism 

DHEA is thoroughly metabolised in the liver and other organs, where it might be changed into other hormones. The metabolites can be found in urine, although the precise metabolic routes are not entirely known. 

Elimination and excretion 

Supplements of DHEA and its metabolites are mostly eliminated in urine. DHEA supplements have a short half-life, which is thought to be between 15 and 45 minutes. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Herbal supplements containing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are normally used orally, usually in the form of pills or capsules. The suggested daily intake ranges between 25 and 200 mg based on the supplement and the demands of the individual. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) 

Why do we use dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)? 

DHEA pills are advertised as anti-aging vitamins since DHEA levels decrease with age. However, there is limited and conflicting scientific evidence that DHEA supplements have anti-aging properties. 

There is some scientific evidence to support the marketing of DHEA supplements as mood-improving supplements. DHEA supplements may lessen anxiety and depressive symptoms. 

DHEA supplements may enhance libido and sexual performance in both men and women, while the scientific evidence for this claim is limited.