Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement in postmenopausal women: Present status and future promise

Peter R. Casson, Peter J. Hornsby, Husam F. Ghusn, John E. Buster

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objective: Age-related declines in dehydroepiandroserone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) have been postulated to aggravate some diseases of the elderly. As a result, DHEA supplementation is often touted as the "fountain of youth" and is being used widely in an unregulated fashion, without evidence of efficacy or safety. Design: Review of the English-language literature. This review addresses DHEA replacement, touching on issues of bioavailability and possible beneficial effects. Safety concerns are also addressed. Conclusions: At present, we believe that DHEA replacement is not suitable for widespread clinical use; however, the potential for future hormonal therapy of aging with this compound is such that further investigation is certainly warranted.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)225-231
Number of pages7
JournalMenopause
Volume4
Issue number4
StatePublished - 1997
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Adrenal androgens
  • Aging
  • DHEA
  • DHEA replacement
  • DHEA-S
  • Hormonal replacement

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Obstetrics and Gynecology

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