What exactly is DHEA?

"DHEA is called the 'mother hormone' because it acts as a precursor to other hormones in the body such as estrogen, progesterone, cortisone, androgen and testosterone, to name a few." - drkoop.com®

"DHEA is short for: Di Hydroxy Epi Androsterone." - Answers.com

Why might I need it?

"[Our body's] production of DHEA stops at birth, then begins again around age seven and peaks when a person is in their mid-20s. From the early 30s on there is a steady decline (about 2 percent each year) until around age 75 and older when the level of DHEA in the body is about 5 percent of peak." - drkoop.com®

Do certain health conditions affect DHEA levels?

"DHEA levels in the body ... are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically ill. DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol." - MayoClinic.com

How can it help me?

"Since DHEA levels decline as we age, some scientists theorize that supplementing our bodies’ falling levels of the hormone might help turn back the hands of time." - WebMD.com®

What are some of the possible benefits?

"There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus." - WebMD.com®

(See our evidence page for information on these and other possibilities.)

Can it help me lose weight?

"In the 1970s and 1980s, DHEA was being sold as a weight-loss aid. In 1985 the FDA banned over-the-counter sale of DHEA due to unsubstantiated claims and lack of data on safety and effectiveness for weight loss. Today it is back as a 'dietary supplement.'" - drkoop.com®

Can it help menopausal disorders?

"Many different aspects of menopause have been studied using DHEA as a treatment. When DHEA is applied topically (on the skin) as a cream, it may improve vaginal pain and discomfort associated with menopause. However, it is not clear whether DHEA cream has any benefits in treating osteoporosis after menopause. Early evidence suggests that DHEA may not be an effective treatment for hot flashes or emotional disturbances such as fatigue, irritability, anxiety, depression, insomnia, difficulties with concentration, memory, or decreased sex drive (which may occur near the time of menopause). However, some study results disagree." - MayoClinic.com

What other claims are there for DHEA's benefits?

"Looking to perk up your sex drive, build some muscle, or fight the effects of aging? You may be considering DHEA supplements." - WebMD.com®

"DHEA has been touted as an 'antidote for aging' and a 'superhormone' that can help burn fat, build muscle mass, boost libido, strengthen the immune system, prevent heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis and non-insulin dependent diabetes, ease the effects of menopause, retard memory loss, help in the treatment of lupus, limit burn damage, combat stress and prevent or slow the progression of Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases." - drkoop.com®

(See our evidence page.)

Should I be concerned about taking DHEA?

"No studies on the long-term effects of DHEA have been conducted. DHEA can cause higher than normal levels of androgens and estrogens in the body, and theoretically may increase the risk of prostate, breast, ovarian, and other hormone-sensitive cancers. Therefore, it is not recommended for regular use without supervision by a licensed health professional." - MayoClinic.com

(See our cautions page.)

What should I ask my doctor about DHEA?

•	"Do you recommend DHEA?
•	"What are the short-term and long-term side effects?
•	"Are there any DHEA clinical trials in this area? Do you recommend participation?
•	"Do you have other patients on DHEA? What changes, if any, have occurred with them?"

- drkoop.com®