Evidence-Based Hormone Therapies

DHEA

DHEA has two types of actions:

Firstly, DHEA’s main actions are through conversion into more potent hormones. Through these other hormones DHEA expresses typical male and female hormone activity, as well as enhances the immune system. One of the ways it reinforces immunity is by converting into the very immune-enhancing androstenediol and androstenetriol.

Secondly, DHEA appears to have actions of its own probably through DHEA receptors in target cells, in particular, endothelium cells of blood vessels and immune cells as suggested in several studies. It is believed that DHEA boosts the immune system and protects blood vessels against atherosclerosis partially by binding to these receptors.

Hypercholesterolemia: the association with lower DHEA levels (4 references)
  1. Janota B, Załuska M. [The level of cortisol, DHEA, lowers in plasma serum and the connection with the lipids and response to treatment in women with depression]. Psychiatr Pol. 2011 Nov-Dec;45(6):861-73.
  2. Nagata C, Takatsuka N, Kabuto M, Shimizu H. Association of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate with serum HDL-cholesterol concentrations in post-menopausal Japanese women. Maturitas. 1998 Nov 30;31(1):21-7
  3. Okamoto K. Distribution of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and relationships between its level and serum lipid levels in a rural Japanese population. J Epidemiol. 1998;8(5):285-91
  4. Okamoto K. Relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and serum lipid levels in Japanese men. J Epidemiol. 1996;6(2):63-7
Hypercholesterolemia: the improvement with DHEA treatment (3 references)
  1. Dhatariya K, Bigelow ML, Nair KS.Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement on insulin sensitivity and lipids in hypoadrenal women. 2005 Mar;54(3):765-9
  2. Piketty C, Jayle D, Leplege A, Castiel P, Ecosse E, Gonzalez-Canali G, Sabatier B, Boulle N, Debuire B, Le Bouc Y, Baulieu EE, Kazatchkine MD. Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of oral dehydroepiandrosterone in patients with advanced HIV disease. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2001 Sep;55(3):325-30
  3. Berr C, Lafont S, Debuire B, Dartigues JF, Baulieu EE. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in the elderly with functional, psychological, and mental status, and short-term mortality: a French community-based study. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 1996;93(23):13410-5
Hypertriglyceridemia: the improvement with DHEA treatment (but reduction of HDL cholesterol) (1 reference)
  1. Jankowski CM, Gozansky WS, Van Pelt RE, Wolfe P, Schwartz RS, Kohrt WM. Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipids. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2011 Oct;75(4):456-63.
Atherosclerosis: the association with lower DHEA levels (8 references)
  1. Fukui M, Kitagawa Y, Nakamura N, Kadono M, Yoshida M, Hirata C, Wada K, Hasegawa G, Yoshikawa T. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentration and carotid atherosclerosis in men with type 2 diabetes. Atherosclerosis. 2005 Aug;181(2):339-44.
  2. Jian ZW, Wu SZ, Ruan YJ. [Relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone and arteriosclerosis in premenopausal and postmenopausal women] Nan Fang Yi Ke Da Xue Xue Bao. 2008 Jun;28(6):942-3
  3. Kanazawa I, Yamaguchi T, Yamamoto M, Yamauchi M, Kurioka S, Yano S, Sugimoto T. Serum DHEA-S level is associated with the presence of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Endocr J. 2008 Aug;55(4):667-75
  4. Akishita M, Hashimoto M, Ohike Y, Ogawa S, Iijima K, Eto M, Ouchi Y. Association of plasma dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate levels with endothelial function in postmenopausal women with coronary risk factors. Hypertens Res. 2008 Jan;31(1):69-74
  5. Bernini GP, Sgro’ M, Moretti A, Argenio GF, Barlascini CO, Cristofani R, Salvetti A. Endogenous androgens and carotid intimal-medial thickness in women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999 Jun;84(6):2008-12

Read all references and abstracts

Atherosclerosis: the improvement with DHEA treatment (7 references)
  1. Yamakawa T, Ogihara K, Nakamura M, Utsunomiya H, Kadonosono K, Kishikawa S, Terauchi Y. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2009 Aug;16(4):501-8
  2. Shafagoj Y, Opoku J, Qureshi D, Regelson W, Kalimi M. Dehydroepiandrosterone prevents dexamethasone-induced hypertension in rats. Am J Physiol. 1992 Aug;263(2 Pt 1):E210-3
  3. Hayashi T, Esaki T, Muto E, Kano H, Asai Y, Thakur NK, Sumi D, Jayachandran M, Iguchi A. Dehydroepiandrosterone retards atherosclerosis formation through its conversion to estrogen: the possible role of nitric oxide. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2000 Mar;20(3):782-92.
  4. Gordon GB, Bush DE, Weisman HF. Reduction of atherosclerosis by administration of dehydroepiandrosterone. A study in the hypercholesterolemic New Zealand white rabbit with aortic intimal injury. J Clin Invest. 1988 Aug;82(2):712-20
  5. Eich DM, NestlerJE, Johnson DE, Doworkin GH, KO D, Wechsler, Hess ME. Inhibition of accelerated coronary atherosclerosis with dehydroepiandrosterone in the heterotopic rabbit model of cardiac transplantation. Circulation 1993:87:261-9

Read all references and abstracts

Arterial hypertension: the association with lower DHEA levels (10 references)
  1. Baird GL, Archer-Chicko C, Barr RG, Bluemke DA, Foderaro AE, Fritz JS, Hill NS, Kawut SM, Klinger JR, Lima JAC, Mullin CJ, Ouyang P, Palevsky HI, Palmisicano AJ, Pinder D, Preston IR, Roberts KE, Smith KA, Walsh T, Whittenhall M, Ventetuolo CE. Lower DHEA-S levels predict disease and worse outcomes in post-menopausal women with idiopathic, connective tissue disease- and congenital heart disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension. Eur Respir J. 2018 Jun 28;51(6). pii: 1800467.
  2. Carroll D, Phillips AC, Lord JM, Arlt W, Batty GD. Cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, their ratio and hypertension: evidence of associations in male veterans from the Vietnam Experience Study. J Hum Hypertens. 2011 Jul;25(7):418-24.
  3. Herman WA, Seńko A, Korczowska I, Łacka K. Could serum DHEA and DHEAS levels be good risk predictors of metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis in the population of aging men? Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2009 Sep;27(159):197-201
  4. Johannes CB, Stellato RK, Feldman HA, Longcope C, McKinlay JB. Relation of dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate with cardiovascular disease risk factors in women: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts Women’s Health Study. J Clin Epidemiol. 1999 Feb;52(2):95-103
  5. Nowaczynski W, Fragachan F, Silah J, Millette B, Genest J. Further evidence of altered adrenocortical function in hypertension. Dehydroepiandrosterone excretion rate. Can J Biochem 1968;46(9):1031-8

Read all references and abstracts

Arterial hypertension: the improvement with DHEA treatment (4 references)
  1. Dumas de La Roque E, Savineau JP, Metivier AC, Billes MA, Kraemer JP, Doutreleau S, Jougon J, Marthan R, Moore N, Fayon M, Baulieu EÉ, Dromer C. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) improves pulmonary hypertension in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): a pilot study. Ann Endocrinol (Paris). 2012 Feb;73(1):20-5.
  2. Dockery F, Bulpitt CJ, Donaldson M, Fernandez S, Rajkumar C. The relationship between androgens and arterial stiffness in older men. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2003 Nov;51(11):1627-32
  3. Hampl V, Bibova J, Povysilova V, Herget J. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate reduces chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension in rats. Eur Respir J. 2003 May;21(5):862-5
  4. Bonnet S, Dumas-de-La-Roque E, Begueret H, Marthan R, Fayon M, Dos Santos P, Savineau JP, Baulieu EE. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) prevents and reverses chronic hypoxic pulmonary hypertension. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2003 Aug 5;100(16):9488-93
Cardiovascular disease: the association with lower DHEA levels (8 references)
  1. Barrett-Connor E, Khaw KT, Yen SS. A prospective study of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, mortality, and cardiovascular disease. N Engl J Med. 1986 Dec 11;315(24):1519-24
  2. Feldman HA, Johannes CB, McKinlay JB, Longcope C. Low dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and heart disease in middle-aged men: cross-sectional results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. Ann Epidemiol. 1998 May;8(4):217-28
  3. Jansson JH, Nilsson TK, Johnson O. von Willebrand factor, tissue plasminogen activator, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate predict cardiovascular death in a 10 year follow up of survivors of acute myocardial infarction. Heart. 1998 Oct;80(4):334-7
  4. Kreze A Jr, Juricekova I, Dobakova M, Putz Z, Kovar F. Dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosteron-sulfate and insulin in acute myocardial infarct. Vnitr Lek. 2000 Dec;46(12):835-8
  5. Mitchell LE, Sprecher DL, Borecki IB, Rice T, Laskarzewski PM, Rao DC. Evidence for an association between dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and nonfatal, premature myocardial infarction in males. Circulation. 1994 Jan;89(1):89-93

Read all references and abstracts

Coronary heart disease: the association with lower DHEA levels in men (1 reference)
  1. Tivesten Å, Vandenput L, Carlzon D, Nilsson M, Karlsson MK, Ljunggren Ö, Barrett-Connor E, Mellström D, Ohlsson C. Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulfate predict the 5-year risk of coronary heart disease events in elderly men. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2014 Oct 28;64(17):1801-10.
Coronary heart disease: the improvement with DHEA treatment in rabbits (1 reference)
  1. Eich DM, Nestler JE, Johnson DE, Dworkin GH, Ko D, Wechsler AS, Hess ML. Inhibition of accelerated coronary atherosclerosis with dehydroepiandrosterone in the heterotopic rabbit model of cardiac transplantation. Circulation. 1993 Jan;87(1):261-9
Obesity: the association with lower DHEA levels (9 references)
  1. Chen MJ, Chen CD, Yang JH, Chen CL, Ho HN, Yang WS, Yang YS. High serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is associated with phenotypic acne and a reduced risk of abdominal obesity in women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Hum Reprod. 2011 Jan;26(1):227-34.
  2. Rabijewski M, Kozakowski J, Zgliczyński W. The relationship between testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations, insulin resistance and visceral obesity in elderly men] Endokrynol Pol. 2005 Nov-Dec;56(6):897-903
  3. Blanchette S, Marceau P, Biron S, Brochu G, Tchernof A. Circulating progesterone and obesity in men. Horm Metab Res. 2006 May;38(5):330-5
  4. Savastano S, Belfiore A, Guida B, Angrisani L, Orio F Jr, Cascella T, Milone F, Micanti F, Saldalamacchia G, Lombardi G, Colao A. Role of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels on body composition after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in pre-menopausal morbidly obese women. J Endocrinol Invest. 2005 Jun;28(6):509-15
  5. Diamond P, Cusan L, Gomez JL, Belanger A, Labrie F. Metabolic effects of 12-month percutaneous dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. J Endocrinol. 1996;150 Suppl:S43-50

Read all references and abstracts

Obesity: the improvement with DHEA treatment (4 references)
  1. Gómez-Santos C, Hernández-Morante JJ, Tébar FJ, Granero E, Garaulet M. Differential effect of oral dehydroepiandrosterone-sulphate on metabolic syndrome features in pre- and postmenopausal obese women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2012 Oct;77(4):548-54.
  2. Villareal DT, Holloszy JO, Kohrt WM. Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2000;53(5):561-8
  3. Nestler JE, Barlascini CO, Clore JN, Blackard WG. Dehydroepiandrosterone reduces serum low-density lipoprotein levels and body fat but does not alter insulin sensitivity in normal men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1988;66(1):57-61
  4. Abrahamsson L, Hackl H. Catabolic effects and the influence on hormonal variables under treatment with Gynodian-Depot or dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) oenanthate. Maturitas. 1981;3(3-4):225-34
Type 1 diabetes: the association with low serum DHEA levels in women (1 reference)
  1. Duskova M, Hruskovicova H, Hill M, Starka L. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the type 1 diabetes mellitus. Endocr Regul. 2012 Apr;46(2):67-71.
Type 1 diabetes: no association with serum DHEA levels (1 reference)
  1. Duskova M, Hruskovicova H, Hill M, Starka L. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the type 1 diabetes mellitus. Endocr Regul. 2012 Apr;46(2):67-71.
Osteoporosis: the association with lower DHEA levels (17 references)
  1. Lee D, Kim H, Ahn SH, Lee SH, Bae SJ, Kim EH, Kim HK, Choe JW, Kim BJ, Koh JM. The association between serum dehydroepiandrosterone Sulphate (DHEA-S) level and bone mineral density in Korean men. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2015 Aug;83(2):173-9.
  2. Herman WA, Seńko A, Korczowska I, Łacka K. Could serum DHEA and DHEAS levels be good risk predictors of metabolic syndrome and osteoporosis in the population of ageing men? Pol Merkur Lekarski. 2009 Sep;27(159):197-201.
  3. Sambrook P, Birmingham J, Champion D, Kelly P, Kempler S, Freund J, Eisman J. Postmenopausal bone loss in rheumatoid arthritis: effect of estrogens and androgens. J Rheumatol. 1992 Mar;19(3):357-61
  4. Nordin BE, Robertson A, Seamark RF, Bridges A, Philcox JC, Need AG, Horowitz M, Morris HA, Deam S. The relation between calcium absorption, serum dehydroepiandrosterone, and vertebral mineral density in postmenopausal women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1985;60(4):651-7
  5. Wild RA, Buchanan JR, Myers C, Demers LM. Declining adrenal androgens: an association with bone loss in aging women. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med. 1987;186(3):355-60

Read all references and abstracts

Osteoporosis: the improvement with DHEA treatment (8 references)
  1. Papierska L, Rabijewski M, Kasperlik-Załuska A, Zgliczyński W. Effect of DHEA supplementation on serum IGF-1, osteocalcin, and bone mineral density in postmenopausal, glucocorticoid-treated women. Adv Med Sci. 2012 Jun 1;57(1):51-7.
  2. Weiss EP, Shah K, Fontana L, Lambert CP, Holloszy JO, Villareal DT. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on bone. Am J Clin Nutr. 2009 May;89(5):1459-67.
  3. Jankowski CM, Gozansky WS, Kittelson JM, Van Pelt RE, Schwartz RS, Kohrt WM. Increases in bone mineral density in response to oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults appear to be mediated by serum estrogens. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Dec;93(12):4767-73
  4. von Mühlen D, Laughlin GA, Kritz-Silverstein D, Bergstrom J, Bettencourt R. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trial. Osteoporos Int. 2008 May;19(5):699-707
  5. Baulieu EE, Thomas G, Legrain S, Lahlou N, Roger M, Debuire B, Faucounau V, Girard L, Hervy MP, Latour F, Leaud MC, Mokrane A, Pitti-Ferrandi H, Trivalle C, de Lacharriere O, Nouveau S, Rakoto-Arison B, Souberbielle JC, Raison J, Le Bouc Y, Raynaud A, Girerd X, Forette F. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and aging: contribution of the DHEAge Study to a sociobiomedical issue. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2000;97(8):4279-84

Read all references and abstracts

 

Poor pubic hair: the association with lower DHEA levels (1 reference)
  1. Kaplowitz P, Soldin SJ. Steroid profiles in serum by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in infants with genital hair. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab. 2007 May;20(5):597-605
Lower quality of life, lower performance and fatigue: the association with lower DHEA levels (10 references)
  1. Morgan CA 3rd, Rasmusson A, Pietrzak RH, Coric V, Southwick SM. Relationships among plasma dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol, symptoms of dissociation, and objective performance in humans exposed to underwater navigation stress. Biol Psychiatry. 2009 Aug 15;66(4):334-40
  2. Ahboucha S, Pomier-Layrargues G, Vincent C, Hassoun Z, Tamaz R, Baker G, Butterworth RF. Reduced plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels are significantly correlated with fatigue severity in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis. Neurochem Int. 2008 Mar-Apr;52(4-5):569-74
  3. Téllez N, Comabella M, Julià E, Río J, Tintoré M, Brieva L, Nos C, Montalban X. Fatigue in progressive multiple sclerosis is associated with low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone. Mult Scler. 2006 Aug;12(4):487-94
  4. O’Donnell AB, Travison TG, Harris SS, Tenover JL, McKinlay JB. Testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and physical performance in older men: results from the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. . J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2006 Feb;91(2):425-31
  5. Maes M, Mihaylova I, De Ruyter M. Decreased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate but normal insulin-like growth factor in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS): relevance for the inflammatory response in CFS. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2005 Oct;26(5):487-92

Read all references and abstracts

Lower quality of life and fatigue: the improvement with DHEA treatment (7 references)
  1. Binder G, Weber S, Ehrismann M, Zaiser N, Meisner C, Ranke MB, Maier L, Wudy SA, Hartmann MF, Heinrich U, Bettendorf M, Doerr HG, Pfaeffle RW, Keller E; South German Working Group for Pediatric Endocrinology. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy on pubic hair growth and psychological well-being in adolescent girls and young women with central adrenal insufficiency: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase iii trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Apr;94(4):1182-90.
  2. Alkatib AA, Cosma M, Elamin MB, Erickson D, Swiglo BA, Erwin PJ, Montori VM. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA treatment effects on quality of life in women with adrenal insufficiency. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Oct;94(10):3676-81
  3. Nordmark G, Bengtsson C, Larsson A, Karlsson FA, Sturfelt G, Rönnblom L. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplement on health-related quality of life in glucocorticoid treated female patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Autoimmunity. 2005 Nov;38(7):531-40
  4. Hunt PJ, Gurnell EM, Huppert FA, Richards C, Prevost AT, Wass JA, Herbert J, Chatterjee VK. Improvement in mood and fatigue after dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in Addison’s disease in a randomized, double-blind trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000;85(12):4650-6
  5. Bloch M, Schmidt PJ, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia. Biol Psychiatry. 1999;45(12):1533-41

Read all references and abstracts

Depression: the association with lower DHEA levels (16 references)
  1. Hough CM, Lindqvist D, Epel ES, Denis MS, Reus VI, Bersani FS, Rosser R, Mahan L, Burke HM, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon SH. Higher serum DHEA concentrations before and after SSRI treatment are associated with remission of major depression. 2017 Mar;77:122-130.
  2. Souza-Teodoro LH, de Oliveira C, Walters K, Carvalho LA. Higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate protects against the onset of depression in the elderly: Findings from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA). Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2016 Feb;64:40-6.
  3. Veronese N, De Rui M, Bolzetta F, Zambon S, Corti MC, Baggio G, Toffanello ED, Crepaldi G, Perissinotto E, Manzato E, Sergi G. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and incident depression in the elderly: the Pro.V.A. study. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2015 Aug;23(8):863-71.
  4. Michikawa T, Nishiwaki Y, Nakano M, Iwasawa S, Yamada M, Asakura K, Yoshioka N, Kuwahara E, Takebayashi T. Higher serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels are protectively associated with depressive symptoms in men, but not in women: a community-based cohort study of older Japanese. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2013 Nov;21(11):1154-63.
  5. Johannsson G, Burman P, Wiren L, Engstrom BE, Nilsson AG, Ottosson M, Jonsson B, Bengtsson BA, Karlsson FA Low dose dehydroepiandrosterone affects behavior in hypopituitary androgen-deficient women: a placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 May;87(5):2046-52

Read all references and abstracts

Depression: the improvement with DHEA treatment (2 references)
  1. Alhaj HA, Massey AE, McAllister-Williams RH. Effects of DHEA administration on episodic memory, cortisol and mood in healthy young men: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Nov;188(4):541-51
  2. Stomati M, Rubino S, Spinetti A, Parrini D, luisi S, Casarosa E, Petraglia F, Gennazzani AR. E Endocrine, neuroendocrine and behavioral effects of oral dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in postmenopausal women. Gynecol Endocrinol. 1999;13(1):15-25
Anxiety: the association with lower DHEA levels (4 references)
  1. Işık Ü1, Bilgiç A2, Toker A3, Kılınç I4. Serum levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, and oxytocin in children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder combined presentation with and without comorbid conduct disorder. Psychiatry Res. 2018 Mar;261:212-219.
  2. Ritsner M, Maayan R, Gibel A, Strous RD, Modai I, Weizman A. Elevation of the cortisol/dehydroepiandrosterone ratio in schizophrenia patients. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2004 Aug;14(4):267-73
  3. Ritsner M, Gibel A, Ram E, Maayan R, Weizman A. Alterations in DHEA metabolism in schizophrenia: Two-month case-control study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2006 Feb;16(2):137-46
  4. Goyal RO, Sagar R, Ammini AC, Khurana ML, Alias AG. Negative correlation between negative symptoms of schizophrenia and testosterone levels. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Dec;1032:291-4
Anxiety: the association with lower androstenedione levels (1 reference)
  1. Diamond P, Brisson GR, Candas B, Peronnet F. Trait anxiety, submaximal physical exercise and blood androgens. Eur J Appl Physiol Occup Physiol. 1989;58(7):699-704
Anxiety: the improvement with DHEA treatment (5 references)
  1. Binder G, Weber S, Ehrismann M, Zaiser N, Meisner C, Ranke MB, Maier L, Wudy SA, Hartmann MF, Heinrich U, Bettendorf M, Doerr HG, Pfaeffle RW, Keller E; South German Working Group for Pediatric Endocrinology. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy on pubic hair growth and psychological well-being in adolescent girls and young women with central adrenal insufficiency: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase iii trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Apr;94(4):1182-90.
  2. Maayan R, Touati-Werner D, Shamir D, Yadid G, Friedman A, Eisner D, Weizman A, Herman I. The effect of DHEA complementary treatment on heroin addicts participating in a rehabilitation program: a preliminary study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008 Jun;18(6):406-13.
  3. Strous RD, Maayan R, Lapidus R, Stryjer R, Lustig M, Kotler M, Weizman A. Dehydroepiandrosterone augmentation in the management of negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003 Feb;60(2):133-41
  4. Arlt W, Callies F, van Vlijmen JC, Koehler I, Reincke M, Bidlingmaier M, Huebler D, Oettel M, Ernst M, Schulte HM, Allolio B. Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency. N Engl J Med. 1999;341(14):1013-20
  5. Morales AJ, Nolan JJ, Nelson JC, Yen SS. Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1994 Jun;78(6):1360-7
Lower stress resistance: the association with lower DHEA levels (1 reference)
  1. Morgan CA 3rd, Rasmusson A, Pietrzak RH, Coric V, Southwick SM. Relationships among plasma dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, cortisol, symptoms of dissociation, and objective performance in humans exposed to underwater navigation stress. Biol Psychiatry. 2009 Aug 15;66(4):334-40
Hysteria: the association with lower DHEA levels (1 reference)
  1. Rocco A, Martocchia A, Frugoni P, Baldini R, Sani G, Di Simone Di Giuseppe B, Vairano A, Girardi P, Monaco E, Tatarelli R, Falaschi P. Inverse correlation between morning plasma cortisol levels and MMPI psychasthenia and depression scale scores in victims of mobbing with adjustment disorders. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2007 Oct;28(5):610-3
Memory loss, cognitive impairment: the association with lower DHEA- levels (6 references)
  1. Lee SY, Wang LJ, Chang CH, Wu CC, Chen HL, Lin SH, Chu CL, Lu T, Lu RB. Serum DHEA-S concentration correlates with clinical symptoms and neurocognitive function in patients with bipolar II disorder: A case-controlled study. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2017 Mar 6;74:31-35.
  2. de Menezes KJ, Peixoto C, Nardi AE, Carta MG, Machado S, Veras AB. Dehydroepiandrosterone, Its Sulfate and Cognitive Functions. Clin Pract Epidemiol Ment Health. 2016 Apr 29;12:24-37.
  3. do Vale S, Selinger L, Martins JM, Gomes AC, Bicho M, do Carmo I, Escera C. The relationship between dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), working memory and distraction–a behavioral and electrophysiological approach. PLoS One. 2014 Aug 8;9(8):e104869.
  4. Hildreth KL, Gozansky WS, Jankowski CM, Grigsby J, Wolfe P, Kohrt WM. Association of serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cognition in older adults: sex steroid, inflammatory, and metabolic mechanisms. 2013 May;27(3):356-63.
  5. Valenti G, Ferrucci L, Lauretani F, Ceresini G, Bandinelli S, Luci M, Ceda G, Maggio M, Schwartz RS. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and cognitive function in the elderly: the inchianti study. J Endocrinol Invest. 2009 Oct;32(9):766-72.

Read all references and abstracts

Dementia (general), Alzheimer’s disease: the association with lower DHEA levels (4 references)
  1. Ray L, Khemka VK, Behera P, Bandyopadhyay K, Pal S, Pal K, Basu D, Chakrabarti S. Serum homocysteine, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and lipoprotein (a) in Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia. Aging Dis. 2013 Mar 7;4(2):57-64.
  2. Landt J, Ball SL, Holland AJ, Hon J, Owen A, Treppner P, Herbert J. Age-related changes in plasma dehydroepiandrosterone levels in adults with Down’s syndrome and the risk of dementia. J Neuroendocrinol. 2011 May;23(5):450-5.
  3. Sunderland T, Merril CR, Harrington MG, Lawlor BA, Molchan SE, Martinez R, Murphy DL. Reduced plasma dehydroepiandrosterone concentrations in Alzheimer’s disease. Lancet 1989;2(8662):570
  4. Roberts E, Fitten LS. DHEA in Alzheimer patients. In: The biological role of DHEA, edited by Regelson W., Kalimi M, De Gruyter-Berlin, 1990: 43-63
Memory loss: the improvement with DHEA treatment (4 references)
  1. Yamada S, Akishita M, Fukai S, Ogawa S, Yamaguchi K, Matsuyama J, Kozaki K, Toba K, Ouchi Y. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairment. Geriatr Gerontol Int. 2010 Oct;10(4):280-7.
  2. Alhaj HA, Massey AE, McAllister-Williams RH. Effects of DHEA administration on episodic memory, cortisol and mood in healthy young men: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Nov;188(4):541-51
  3. Wolf OT, Naumann E, Hellhammer DH, Kirschbaum C. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in elderly men on event-related potentials, memory, and well-being. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1998 Sep;53(5):M385-90
  4. Bastianetto S, Ramassamy C, Poirier J, Quirion R. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) protects hippocampal cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. Brain Res Mol Brain Res. 1999;66(1-2):35-41
Sleep disorder: the improvement with DHEA treatment (1 reference)
  1. Friess E, Trachsel L, Guldner J, Schier T, Steiger A, Holsboer F. DHEA administration increases rapid eye movement sleep and EEG power in the sigma frequency range. Am J Physiol. 1995 Jan;268(1 Pt 1):E107-13
Good sexual function (sexual drive, sensitivity and orgasm): the association with higher DHEA levels in women (2 references)
  1. Basson R, O’Loughlin JI, Weinberg J, Young AH, Bodnar T, Brotto LA. Dehydroepiandrosterone and cortisol as markers of HPA axis dysregulation in women with low sexual desire. 2019 Mar 8;104:259-268.
  2. Munarriz R, Talakoub L, Flaherty E, Gioia M, Hoag L, Kim NN, Traish A, Goldstein I, Guay A, Spark R. Androgen replacement therapy with dehydroepiandrosterone for androgen insufficiency and female sexual dysfunction: androgen and questionnaire results. J Sex Marital Ther 2002;28 Suppl 1:165-73
Good erectile function: the association with higher DHEA levels in men (1 reference)
  1. Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, Klingler HC, Mark I, Auterith A, Marberger M. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations in men with erectile dysfunction. Urology. 2000;55(5):755-8
Good erectile function: the association with higher DHEA levels (review study) (1 reference)
  1. El-Sakka AI. Dehydroepiandrosterone and erectile function: a review. World J Mens Health. 2018 Sep;36(3):183-191. 
Sexual dysfunction (low (sexual drive, sensitivity and orgasm): the improvement with DHEA treatment in women (10 references)
  1. Kushnir VA, Darmon SK, Barad DH, Weghofer A, Gleicher N. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on sexual function in premenopausal infertile women.Endocrine. 2019 Mar;63(3):632-638.
  2. van Lunsen RHW, Zimmerman Y, Coelingh Bennink HJT, Termeer HMM, Appels N, Fauser BCJM4, Laan E. Maintaining physiologic testosterone levels during combined oral contraceptives by adding dehydroepiandrosterone: II. effects on sexual function. a phase ii randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Contraception. 2018 Jul;98(1):56-62.
  3. Bouchard C, Labrie F, Derogatis L, Girard G, Ayotte N, Gallagher J, Cusan L, Archer DF, Portman D, Lavoie L, Beauregard A, Côté I, Martel C, Vaillancourt M, Balser J, Moyneur E; VVA Prasterone Group. Effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (dhea) on the female sexual function in postmenopausal women: erc-230 open-label study. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig. 2016 Mar;25(3):181-90.
  4. Labrie F, Derogatis L, Archer DF, Koltun W, Vachon A, Young D, Frenette L, Portman D, Montesino M1, Côté I, Parent J, Lavoie L, Beauregard A, Martel C, Vaillancourt M, Balser J, Moyneur É; Members of the VVA Prasterone Research Group. Effect of intravaginal prasterone on sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women with vulvovaginal atrophy. J Sex Med. 2015 Dec;12(12):2401-12.
  5. Archer DF, Labrie F, Bouchard C, Portman DJ, Koltun W, Cusan L, Labrie C, Côté I, Lavoie L, Martel C, Balser J; VVA Prasterone Group. Treatment of pain at sexual activity (dyspareunia) with intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone). Menopause. 2015 Sep;22(9):950-63.

Read all references and abstracts

Erectile function: the improvement with DHEA treatment in men (3 references)
  1. Reiter WJ, Pycha A. Placebo-controlled dehydroepiandrosterone substitution in elderly men. Gynakol Geburtshilfliche Rundsch. 1999;39(4):208-9
  2. Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, Pokorny A, Gruber DM, Huber JC, Marberger M. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology. 1999;53(3):590-4
  3. Reiter WJ, Schatzl G, Mark I, Zeiner A, Pycha A, Marberger M. Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction in patients with different organic etiologies. Urol Res. 2001 Aug;29(4):278-81
Significant beneficial effects of DHEA therapy in placebo-controlled trials

 

Healthy men and women > 50 years: DHEA therapy has significantly beneficial effects (15 references)
  1. Labrie F, Archer DF, Koltun W, Vachon A, Young D, Frenette L, Portman D, Montesino M, Côté I, Parent J, Lavoie L, Beauregard A, Martel C, Vaillancourt M, Balser J, Moyneur É; members of the VVA Prasterone Research Group. Efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness, symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy, and of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. 2015 Dec 28.
  2. Ke Y, Labrie F, Gonthier R, Simard JN, Bergeron D, Martel C, Vaillancourt M, Montesino M, Lavoie L, Archer DF, Balser J, Moyneur E; other participating Members of the Prasterone Clinical Research Group. Serum levels of sex steroids and metabolites following 12 weeks of intravaginal 0.50% DHEA administration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2015 Nov;154:186-96.
  3. Labrie F, Archer D, Bouchard C, Fortier M, Cusan L, Gomez JL, Girard G, Baron M, Ayotte N, Moreau M, Dubé R, Côté I, Labrie C, Lavoie L, Gilbert L, Martel C, Balser J. Lack of influence of dyspareunia on the beneficial effect of intravaginal prasterone (dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA) on sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. J Sex Med. 2014 Jul;11(7):1766-85.
  4. Stangl B, Hirshman E, Verbalis J. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) enhances visual-spatial performance in postmenopausal women. Behav Neurosci. 2011 Oct;125(5):742-52.
  5. Weiss EP, Villareal DT, Fontana L, Han DH, Holloszy JO. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement decreases insulin resistance and lowers inflammatory cytokines in aging humans. Aging (Albany NY). 2011 May;3(5):533-42.
  6. Labrie F, Cusan L, Gomez JL, Côté I, Bérubé R, Bélanger P, Martel C, Labrie C. Effect of intravaginal DHEA on serum DHEA and eleven of its metabolites in postmenopausal women. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2008 Sep;111(3-5):178-94. Erratum in: J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2008 Nov;112(1-3):169.
  7. von Mühlen D, Laughlin GA, Kritz-Silverstein D, Bergstrom J, Bettencourt R. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trial. Osteoporos Int. 2008 May;19(5):699-707.
  8. Villareal DT, Holloszy JO. Effect of DHEA on abdominal fat and insulin action in elderly women and men: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA. 2004 Nov 10;292(18):2243-8.
  9. Hirshman E, Wells E, Wierman ME, Anderson B, Butler A, Senholzi M, Fisher J. The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on recognition memory decision processes and discrimination in postmenopausal women. Psychon Bull Rev. 2003 Mar;10(1):125-34.
  10. Hackbert L, Heiman JR. Acute dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on sexual arousal in postmenopausal women. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2002 Mar;11(2):155-62.
  11. Ceresini G, Morganti S, Rebecchi I, Freddi M, Ceda GP, Banchini A, Solerte SB, Ferrari E, Ablondi F, Valenti G. Evaluation of the circadian profiles of serum dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisol, and cortisol/DHEA molar ratio after a single oral administration of DHEA in elderly subjects. Metabolism. 2000  Apr;49(4):548-51
  12. Baulieu EE, Thomas G, Legrain S, Lahlou N, Roger M, Debuire B, Faucounau V, Girard L, Hervy MP, Latour F, Leaud MC, Mokrane A, Pitti-Ferrandi H, Trivalle C, de Lacharrière O, Nouveau S, Rakoto-Arison B, Souberbielle JC, Raison J, Le Bouc  Y, Raynaud A, Girerd X, Forette F. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and aging: contribution of the DHEAge Study to a sociobiomedical issue. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2000 Apr 11;97(8):4279-84.
  13. Morales AJ, Haubrich RH, Hwang JY, Asakura H, Yen SS. The effect of six months treatment with a 100 mg daily dose of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on circulating sex steroids, body composition and muscle strength in age-advanced men and women. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 1998 Oct;49(4):421-32
  14. Wolf OT, Kudielka BM, Hellhammer DH, Hellhammer J, Kirschbaum C. Opposing effects of DHEA replacement in elderly subjects on declarative memory and attention after exposure to a laboratory stressor. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 1998 Aug;23(6):617-29.
  15. Khorram O, Vu L, Yen SS. Activation of immune function by dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in age-advanced men. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci. 1997 Jan;52(1):M1-7
Healthy younger individuals: DHEA therapy has significantly beneficial effects (1 reference)
  1. Friess E, Trachsel L, Guldner J, Schier T, Steiger A, Holsboer F. DHEA administration increases rapid eye movement sleep and EEG power in the sigma frequency range. Am J Physiol. 1995 Jan;268(1 Pt 1):E107-13.
Patients, mostly women, with adrenal deficiency (12 references)
  1. Christiansen JJ, Bruun JM, Christiansen JS, Jørgensen JO, Gravholt CH. Long-term DHEA substitution in female adrenocortical failure, body composition, muscle function, and bone metabolism: a randomized trial. Eur J Endocrinol. 2011 Aug;165(2):293-300.
  2. Rice SP, Agarwal N, Bolusani H, Newcombe R, Scanlon MF, Ludgate M, Rees DA. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement on vascular function in primary and secondary adrenal insufficiency: a randomized crossover trial. J Clin Endocrinol  Metab. 2009 Jun;94(6):1966-72.
  3. Binder G, Weber S, Ehrismann M, Zaiser N, Meisner C, Ranke MB, Maier L, Wudy SA, Hartmann MF, Heinrich U, Bettendorf M, Doerr HG, Pfaeffle RW, Keller E; South German Working Group for Pediatric Endocrinology. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone therapy on pubic hair growth and psychological well-being in adolescent girls and young women with central adrenal insufficiency: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2009 Apr;94(4):1182-90.
  4. Gurnell EM, Hunt PJ, Curran SE, Conway CL, Pullenayegum EM, Huppert FA, Compston JE, Herbert J, Chatterjee VK. Long-term DHEA replacement in primary adrenal insufficiency: a randomized, controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Feb;93(2):400-9.
  5. Brooke AM, Kalingag LA, Miraki-Moud F, Camacho-Hübner C, Maher KT, Walker DM, Hinson JP, Monson JP. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2006 Nov;65(5):673-80.
  6. Dhatariya K, Bigelow ML, Nair KS. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement on insulin sensitivity and lipids in hypoadrenal women. Diabetes. 2005 Mar;54(3):765-9.
  7. Libè R, Barbetta L, Dall’Asta C, Salvaggio F, Gala C, Beck-Peccoz P, Ambrosi  B. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on hormonal, metabolic and behavioral status in patients with hypoadrenalism. J Endocrinol Invest. 2004 Sep;27(8):736-41.
  8. Christiansen JJ, Gravholt CH, Fisker S, Svenstrup B, Bennett P, Veldhuis J, Andersen M, Christiansen JS, Jørgensen JO. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in women with adrenal failure: impact on twenty-four-hour GH secretion and IGF-related parameters. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2004 Apr;60(4):461-9.
  9. Johannsson G, Burman P, Wirén L, Engström BE, Nilsson AG, Ottosson M, Jonsson  B, Bengtsson BA, Karlsson FA. Low dose dehydroepiandrosterone affects behavior in hypopituitary androgen-deficient women: a placebo-controlled trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002 May;87(5):2046-52.
  10. Hunt PJ, Gurnell EM, Huppert FA, Richards C, Prevost AT, Wass JA, Herbert J, Chatterjee VK. Improvement in mood and fatigue after dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in Addison’s disease in a randomized, double-blind trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2000 Dec;85(12):4650-6.
  11. Arlt W, Callies F, Allolio B. DHEA replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency–pharmacokinetics, bioconversion and clinical effects on well-being, sexuality and cognition. Endocr Res. 2000 Nov;26(4):505-11.
  12. Young J, Couzinet B, Nahoul K, Brailly S, Chanson P, Baulieu EE, Schaison G. Panhypopituitarism as a model to study the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in humans. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1997 Aug;82(8):2578-85.
Patients > 50 years with disorder: DHEA therapy has significantly beneficial effects (3 references)
  1. Rabijewski M, Zgliczyński W. [Positive effects of DHEA therapy on insulin resistance and lipids in men with angiographically verified coronary heart disease–preliminary study]. Endokrynol Pol. 2005 Nov-Dec;56(6):904-10.
  2. Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, Smith MJ, Danaceau MA, St Clair LS, Murphy JH, Haq N, Rubinow DR. Dehydroepiandrosterone monotherapy in midlife-onset major and minor depression. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2005 Feb;62(2):154-62.
  3. Bloch M, Schmidt PJ, Danaceau MA, Adams LF, Rubinow DR. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of midlife dysthymia. Biol Psychiatry. 1999 Jun 15;45(12):1533-41<
Younger individuals with disorder: DHEA therapy has significantly beneficial effects (14 references)
  1. Ritsner MS, Strous RD. Neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia are associated with alterations in blood levels of neurosteroids: a multiple regression analysis of findings from a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial with DHEA. J Psychiatr Res. 2010 Jan;44(2):75-80.
  2. Maayan R, Touati-Werner D, Shamir D, Yadid G, Friedman A, Eisner D, Weizman A, Herman I. The effect of DHEA complementary treatment on heroin addicts participating in a rehabilitation program: a preliminary study. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008 Jun;18(6):406-13.
  3. Strous RD, Stryjer R, Maayan R, Gal G, Viglin D, Katz E, Eisner D, Weizman A. Analysis of clinical symptomatology, extrapyramidal symptoms and neurocognitive dysfunction following dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration in olanzapine treated schizophrenia patients: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2007 Feb;32(2):96-105.
  4. Abrams DI, Shade SB, Couey P, McCune JM, Lo J, Bacchetti P, Chang B, Epling L, Liegler T, Grant RM. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled study. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses. 2007 Jan;23(1):77-85.
  5. Ritsner MS, Gibel A, Ratner Y, Tsinovoy G, Strous RD. Improvement of sustained attention and visual and movement skills, but not clinical symptoms, after dehydroepiandrosterone augmentation in schizophrenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2006 Oct;26(5):495-9.
  6. Rabkin JG, McElhiney MC, Rabkin R, McGrath PJ, Ferrando SJ. Placebo-controlled trial of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for treatment of nonmajor depression in patients with HIV/AIDS. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jan;163(1):59-66.
  7. Alhaj HA, Massey AE, McAllister-Williams RH. Effects of DHEA administration on episodic memory, cortisol and mood in healthy young men: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2006 Nov;188(4):541-51.
  8. Nachshoni T, Ebert T, Abramovitch Y, Assael-Amir M, Kotler M, Maayan R, Weizman A, Strous RD. Improvement of extrapyramidal symptoms following dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) administration in antipsychotic treated schizophrenia patients: a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial. Schizophr Res. 2005 Nov 15;79(2-3):251-6.
  9. Strous RD, Maayan R, Lapidus R, Stryjer R, Lustig M, Kotler M, Weizman A. Dehydroepiandrosterone augmentation in the management of negative, depressive, and anxiety symptoms in schizophrenia. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003 Feb;60(2):133-41.
  10. Chang DM, Lan JL, Lin HY, Luo SF. Dehydroepiandrosterone treatment of women with mild-to-moderate systemic lupus erythematosus: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2002 Nov;46(11):2924-7.
  11. Petri MA, Lahita RG, Van Vollenhoven RF, Merrill JT, Schiff M, Ginzler EM, Strand V, Kunz A, Gorelick KJ, Schwartz KE; GL601 Study Group. Effects of prasterone on corticosteroid requirements of women with systemic lupus erythematosus: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arthritis Rheum. 2002 Jul;46(7):1820-9.
  12. Rabkin JG, Ferrando SJ, Wagner GJ, Rabkin R. DHEA treatment for HIV+ patients: effects on mood, androgenic and anabolic parameters. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2000 Jan;25(1):53-68.
  13. Van Vollenhoven RF, Park JL, Genovese MC, West JP, McGuire JL. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial of dehydroepiandrosterone in severe systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus. 1999;8(3):181-7.
  14. Reiter WJ, Pycha A, Schatzl G, Pokorny A, Gruber DM, Huber JC, Marberger M.Dehydroepiandrosterone in the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Urology. 1999 Mar;53(3):590-4; discussion 594-5.  <
DHEA pharmacokinetics in healthy elderly individuals (2 references)
  1. Labrie F, Bélanger A, Bélanger P, Bérubé R, Martel C, Cusan L, Gomez J, Candas B, Chaussade V, Castiel I, Deloche C, Leclaire J. Metabolism of DHEA in postmenopausal women following percutaneous administration. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 2007 Feb;103(2):178-88.
  2. Frye RF, Kroboth PD, Kroboth FJ, Stone RA, Folan M, Salek FS, Pollock BG, Linares AM, Hakala C. Sex differences in the pharmacokinetics of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) after single- and multiple-dose administration in healthy older adults. J Clin Pharmacol. 2000 Jun;40(6):596-605.
Safety of DHEA therapy is OK (1 reference)
  1. Panjari M, Bell RJ, Jane F, Adams J, Morrow C, Davis SR. The safety of 52 weeks of oral DHEA therapy for postmenopausal women. Maturitas. 2009 Jul 20;63(3):240-5.
DHEA pharmacokinetics in younger healthy individuals (1 reference)
  1. Kroboth PD, Amico JA, Stone RA, Folan M, Frye RF, Kroboth FJ, Bigos KL, Fabian TJ, Linares AM, Pollock BG, Hakala C. Influence of DHEA administration on  24-hour cortisol concentrations. J Clin Psychopharmacol. 2003 Feb;23(1):96-9. 
DHEA pharmacokinetics in patients with disorder (3 references)
  1. Poretsky L, Song L, Brillon DJ, Ferrando S, Chiu J, McElhiney M, Ferenczi A, Sison C, Haller I, Rabkin J. Metabolic and hormonal effects of oral DHEA in premenopausal women with HIV infection: a randomized, prospective, placebo-controlled pilot study. Horm Metab Res. 2009 Mar;41(3):244-9.

Read all references and abstracts

Get the latest International Hormone Society news delivered to your inbox.