DHEA, Menopause and Andropause

Age Produces Hormone Changes That May Be Repaired in Part by DHEA

Sep 24, 2008

Menopause and the male equivalent, andropause, result in lower levels of key hormones. DHEA supplements may overcome some of the loss.

Sex hormones usually diminish rapidly after menopause in women or andropause in men. The decline has been cited as one reason for osteoporosis (weakened bones), fatigue, memory loss, and decreased sex drive and performance. DHEA can overcome some of the loss in sex hormones. How much it helps those age-related symptoms is the subject of worldwide attention.

DHEA is dehydroepiandrosterone. The “androsterone” part identifies the substance as an androgen, meaning it can produce male attributes and function. But it’s a very weak androgen. Its potency is believed to come mostly from its conversion to other substances, especially testosterone. DHEAS is the sulfated form of DHEA, and the two are essentially interchangeable.

DHEA is produced and secreted by the adrenal gland. Its production is controlled by ACTH from the pituitary. It circulates in the blood to target organs where it is converted to testosterone and similar hormones. In young men, DHEA accounts for only 5% of testosterone produced. In young women, it accounts for roughly half the testosterone produced. The function of testosterone in women is disputed; in excess, it causes acne, male hair pattern, and other virilization. But if very low, that may contribute to weakness and decreased sex drive.

High doses of DHEA given as supplements also cause increases in female hormones.

Obviously, if the adrenal gland is failing, supplementation with adrenal hormones including DHEA is warranted. Evidence also supports the use of DHEA in the treatment of depression, induction of labor, and systemic lupus erythematosis. But what is the evidence for its use to fight age-related signs and symptoms?

Because DHEA is available as a nutritional supplement, there is intense interest among older people about how effective it might be to combat aging. Some claim it can reverse muscle weakness, bone weakness, loss of energy, and possibly many other signs and symptoms.

Since weak bones and weak muscles can lead to fractures, and fracture treatment is a huge national expense, DHEA is also of great interest to public policy advisors. Researchers have been active testing out the potential benefits of DHEA in older people.

For example, a study of post-menopausal women aged 50 to 65 in Italy showed that DHEA increased androgenic and female-related hormones. Researchers also found an increase in endorphins and a reduction in menopause symptoms. They concluded, “These data suggest that DHEA supplementation is a more effective replacement therapy than a simple ‘dietary supplement.’"

Another study from Italy was also felt to be supportive of DHEA supplements. In a small group of women, researchers found what was anticipated from DHEA administration: an increase in testosterone and female hormones, and an increase in beta endorphin. They concluded, “(DHEA) is able to restore the androgenic milieu and also has a positive impact on the estrogenic tone in postmenopausal women...(But) additional studies, using a larger population, are needed to evaluate the combination of estrogen–progestin therapies plus DHEA as a new additional therapeutical strategy for postmenopausal women.”

Mayo Clinic researchers gave DHEA to older men and women in a randomized double blind study. Researchers found that the blood levels of DHEA did increase with treatment. There was a small improvement in bone density in the women. Otherwise, not much: no increase in metabolic rate (peak volume of oxygen consumed per minute), or muscle strength, or insulin sensitivity. They concluded, “Neither DHEA nor low-dose testosterone replacement in elderly people has physiologically relevant beneficial effects on body composition, physical performance, insulin sensitivity, or quality of life.”

Along with others, the Italian studies documented that DHEA increases androgens and other hormones. But so far, apparently no studies have measured and documented significant advantages to older women or men who might take DHEA in hopes of reversing or retarding the effects of aging. The benefits of DHEA use are still unclear and debated around the world.

The copyright of the article DHEA, Menopause and Andropause in Nutrition is owned by James Cooper. Permission to republish DHEA, Menopause and Andropause in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.