DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is an endogenous human hormone secreted by the adrenal gland. It serves as precursor to male and female sex hormones (androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30, and are reported to be low in some people with anorexia, end-stage kidney disease, type 2 diabetes (non-insulin dependent diabetes), AIDS, adrenal insufficiency, and in the critically DHEA levels may also be depleted by a number of drugs, including insulin, corticosteroids, opiates, and danazol. There is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Oral DHEA has weak and adrogenic activity. It has several putative actions, including anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiobesity, antidiabetogenic and antiaging.
DHEA is an inhibitory modulator of the gamma-aminobutyric acid-benzodiazepine receptor complex in rats, and it enhances the effect of excitatory amino acids on the NMDA receptors, also in rats. How this relates to any effect of oral DHEA in humans is entirely speculative. There is some evidence that DHEA, in monitored doses in selected subjects, may be of some help in easing some of the symptoms of systemic lupus erythematosus, may enhance immune response in some others and may be indicated in some women with adrenal insufficiency. There is very preliminary evidence that DHEA can have a positive impact on mood and memory. DHEA replacement after menopause has been proposed.
Since levels of DHEA decrease as people get older, some researchers believe that restoring DHEA to higher levels may delay some of the effects of aging. However, the fact that young people have higher levels of DHEA than older people does not necessarily mean that supplementing DHEA will make people appear younger. In the last few years, it has also been touted to increase the immune system's function and restore mental ability. It has also been studied for the treatment of conditions such as Addison's disease, Alzheimer's disease, AIDS, chronic fatigue syndrome, erectile dysfunction, depression, and Parkinson's disease.
References:
Medline Plus. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/natural/patient-dhea.html
PDR Health. http://www.pdrhealth.com/drug_info/nmdrugprofiles/nutsupdrugs/dhe_0094.shtml
NutraSanus. http://www.nutrasanus.com/dhea.html
