DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, in the brain. It serves as a precursor for both male and female sex hormones. DHEA levels typically begin to decline after about age 30 and tend to decrease more rapidly in women.
Lower DHEA levels have been observed in a variety of conditions, including adrenal and other hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease, cardiovascular disease, depression, diabetes, inflammatory and immune-related disorders, and osteoporosis. Certain medications—such as corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, and some psychiatric drugs—have also been associated with reduced DHEA levels.
Evidence for the physiological role of DHEA comes from a double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (1999;341:1013–1020). The study involved 24 women with long-standing adrenal insufficiency. Participants had a mean age of 42 years and an average disease duration of nine years.
Subjects were randomly assigned to receive either a placebo or 50 mg of DHEA daily. Compared with the placebo group, women receiving DHEA reported improvements in overall sense of well-being and sexual interest. Scores on standardized depression and anxiety questionnaires decreased. In addition, blood levels of androstenedione and testosterone moved into the normal range. The researchers also observed reductions in cholesterol levels and sex hormone–binding globulin.
This study suggests that DHEA may play a role in mood, quality of life, and hormone balance in individuals with adrenal insufficiency. As with all hormone-related interventions, these findings highlight the importance of context, careful evaluation, and further research when considering broader applications.
