Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a major C19 steroid produced by the adrenal cortex. It is also produced in small quantities in the testis and the ovary. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be converted to testosterone; androstenedione; estradiol; and estrone. Most of DHEA is sulfated (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) before secretion.
In the United States, DHEA or DHEAS have been advertised with claims that they may be beneficial for a wide variety of ailments. DHEA and DHEAS are readily available in the United States, where they are marketed as over-the-counter dietary supplements. In November 2016, DHEA was approved (as Intrarosa) to treat women experiencing moderate to severe pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), due to menopause.
In Canada, a prescription is required to buy DHEA.
| Trade Name | Dehydroepiandrosterone |
| Generic | Prasterone |
| Prasterone Other Names | Dehydroandrosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, Dehydroisoandrosterone, DHEA, Prasterone |
| Type | |
| Formula | C19H28O2 |
| Weight | Average: 288.4244 Monoisotopic: 288.20893014 |
| Groups | Approved, Investigational, Nutraceutical |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid formulated as a vaginal insert indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe dyspareunia associated with menopausal vulvar and vaginal atrophy.
DHEA is taken as a supplement for a variety of unsubstantiated indications. The following indications have shown promise and are backed up by some scientific evidence: schizophrenia (DHEA may be more effective in women than men); improving the appearance of older people’s skin (taking DHEA by mouth seems to increase skin thickness and moisture, and decrease facial “age spots” in elderly men and women); improving ability to achieve an erection in men with sexual dysfunction. Additionally, DHEA has shown promise in improving symptoms of lupus (SLE). Taking DHEA by mouth along with conventional treatment may help reduce the number of times symptoms flare up and may allow a reduction in the dose of prescription drugs needed. DHEA may also help SLE symptoms such as muscle ache and mouth ulcers. DHEA also seems to strengthen bones in SLE patients being treated with high-dose steroids (corticosteroids). DHEA also shows promise in the treatment of osteoporosis. Taking DHEA by mouth daily seems to improve bone mineral density (BMD) in older women and men with osteoporosis or osteopenia (pre-osteoporosis). DHEA may also increase BMD in young women with the eating disorder called anorexia nervosa. DHEA is often prescribed in India for the induction of ovulation to improve chances of pregnancy.
Dehydroepiandrosterone is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Moderate Dyspareunia, Severe Dyspareunia
How Dehydroepiandrosterone works
DHEA can be understood as a prohormone for the sex steroids. DHEAS may be viewed as buffer and reservoir. As most DHEA is produced by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, it is argued that there is a role in the immune and stress response. DHEAS/DHEA are useful to detect excess adrenal activity as seen in adrenal cancer or hyperplasia, including certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia as it is produced nearly entirely by the adrenal glands. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have elevated levels of DHEAS.
Toxicity
Acute oral toxicity (LD50): >10000 mg/kg [Rat]. Lowest Published Toxic Dose (TDL) [Man] - Route: Oral; Dose: 10 mg/kg/2W intermittent.
Food Interaction
No interactions found.Elimination Route
Following a 50-mg DHEA PO dose in cynomolgus monkeys, systemic availability was only 3.1 +/- 0.4%. [PMID: 12970301]
Half Life
12 hours
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here Dehydroepiandrosterone
