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Nippoldt TB. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements: bringing sense to sensational claims. Endocr Pract. 1998;4(2):106-11doi: 10.4158/EP.4.2.106.
Nippoldt, T. B. (1998). Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements: bringing sense to sensational claims. Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 4(2), 106-11. https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.4.2.106
Nippoldt, T B. "Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements: bringing sense to sensational claims." Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists vol. 4,2 (1998): 106-11. doi: https://doi.org/10.4158/EP.4.2.106
Nippoldt TB. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements: bringing sense to sensational claims. Endocr Pract. 1998 Mar-Apr;4(2):106-11. doi: 10.4158/EP.4.2.106. PMID: 15251755.
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Endocr Pract. 1998 Mar-Apr;4(2):106-11. doi: 10.4158/EP.4.2.106.

Dehydroepiandrosterone supplements: bringing sense to sensational claims.

Endocrine practice : official journal of the American College of Endocrinology and the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists

T B Nippoldt

Affiliations

  1. Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism, Nutrition, and Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic and Mayo Foundation, Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.

PMID: 15251755 DOI: 10.4158/EP.4.2.106

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current information about dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a steroid hormone produced in the adrenal cortex.

METHODS: The biochemical and physiologic features of DHEA and its purported effects on overall age-related decline and on various disorders are reviewed. In addition, the potential side effects from administration of DHEA are discussed.

RESULTS: During the normal life cycle, levels of DHEA fluctuate, beginning with production of large quantities in the fetus, stopping at birth, resuming during ages 5 to 7 years, and increasing throughout puberty to maximal production in the 20s. Thereafter, DHEA levels progressively decline. This age-related decline in physiologic levels of DHEA has prompted speculation about a relationship between relative "DHEA deficiency" in older age and diseases of aging as well as the possibility of deriving benefits from administration of DHEA. Certain studies in animals (primarily rodents) have suggested anticancer effects of DHEA in pharmacologic doses and improvement in metabolism. In various studies in animals and humans, discrepant results have been found in the assessment of the association between DHEA levels and coronary artery disease. Likewise, the clinical significance of changes in immune function with DHEA treatment is unknown. Because DHEA is classified as a "nutritional supplement," it is not subjected to government regulation, and a potential exists for inaccurate dosage and impurities.

CONCLUSION: Studies have shown that DHEA influences multiple systems and disease processes in animals and humans; some of these effects could be considered beneficial and others detrimental. To date, no long-term health benefits from DHEA in "replacement" doses have been demonstrated.

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