Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAS) are abundant in the body, but their physiologic role is not understood. With aging, circulating DHEA and DHEAS levels decrease at a relatively constant rate of 2.3%/yr in men and 3.9%/yr in women. DHEA levels appear to differ among populations; for example, levels are significantly lower in Japanese men than in American white men. Low DHEA levels are associated with osteoporosis, physical frailty, insulin resistance, mood changes, disrupted sleep, increased incidence of disorders, increased body fat mass, decreased muscle mass, decreased immunity, functional decline, and possibly coronary artery disease. Whether these associations are causal or incidental is unknown.

In animal studies, DHEA has been shown to slow the growth rate of pancreatic, testicular, skin, and colorectal cancers. In mice, DHEA decreases the number of precancerous lesions in the colon, suggesting that DHEA may be useful in preventing colon cancer in humans. DHEA is a potent memory-enhancing drug in mice and has various immunostimulant effects in rodents.

In humans, DHEA supplementation can increase insulin sensitivity. At relatively high doses (100 mg/day), DHEA increases insulin-like growth factor I, muscle mass, and muscle strength in men but not in women. Effects on the immune system have been minor and inconsistent. DHEA supplementation does not appear to meaningfully improve memory in nursing home residents. Its effects on mood are conflicting.

There is insufficient evidence to support use of DHEA to reverse the effects of aging or to treat insulin resistance. Also, bioavailability of the DHEA in health food store products varies.

This topic was last updated March 2006.