DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone. Levels of DHEA are elevated during youth but decline after 30 years of age. In general, men tend to have higher levels of DHEA than women.

Promoters claim that dietary supplements containing DHEA can do many things, including boosting the immune system, preventing cancer, trimming body fat, preventing heart disease, enhancing libido, slowing the aging process, preventing osteoporosis, treating Alzheimer's Disease, helping depression, lessening the symptoms of menopause and PMS, controlling diabetes, slowing the progression of AIDS, and providing relief from lupus.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) removed DHEA from the market in 1985 because the substance had not been reviewed for safety and effectiveness. However, in 1994 the FDA reclassified DHEA as a dietary supplement, allowing it to be sold over-the-counter. There is scant evidence supporting DHEA's ability to cure or prevent many of the conditions its promoters claim. Few studies have been conducted in humans. In addition, there is little information available on the long-term effects of DHEA use. However, it is known that women using DHEA may grow unwanted body and facial hair. Furthermore, DHEA may interrupt menstruation.

See Also

  1. Other Supplements: Overview
  2. Menstruation: Overview
  Name Size