DHEA: what it is, what it is for and side effects

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced naturally by the adrenal glands and is responsible for participating in the production of sexual hormones, such as testosterone and estrogen. DHEA production reaches its maximum quantity between the ages of 20 and 30, with its concentration decreasing from that age onwards.

DHEA can also be obtained synthetically from soybeans or yams, or used in the form of a supplement, and is normally indicated with the aim of delaying aging, facilitating weight loss and preventing the loss of muscle mass.

Although it is sold in several countries, including the United States, the sale of DHEA is prohibited by Anvisa in Brazil, as there are few studies that prove its benefits. Furthermore, DHEA can also cause several side effects, especially the development of abdominal fat, contributing to an increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart attack and stroke, for example.

What is it for

DHEA supplementation is indicated as natural hormone replacement for:

• Maintain or increase muscle mass;
• Increase libido;
• Avoid impotence;
• Fight depression;
• Improve vaginal atrophy in menopause;
• Strengthen the immune system;
• Improve the appearance of aged skin;
• Control cholesterol levels;
• Increase energy;
• Improve memory and mood.

Additionally, DHEA may work to improve bone density in adults with osteoporosis caused by a decrease in DHEA in the body, or help treat infertility in women undergoing fertility procedures. in vitro.

DHEA is one of the most abundant hormones in the human body, being important for maintaining hormonal balance, and supplementation of this hormone may be indicated when its levels are reduced, which normally happens with the natural aging of the body.

It is important to emphasize that the use of DHEA supplements should only be done with the recommendation of an endocrinologist, after evaluating hormonal levels in the body.

Make an appointment with an endocrinologist in the nearest region:

What are the symptoms of a lack of DHEA?

Low DHEA levels can cause symptoms such as weight gain, depression, anxiety, low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty with memory or cognition, or mood changes.

Additionally, bones can become more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. In women, vaginal dryness may still occur, which is one of the symptoms of menopause.

Read too: 12 symptoms of menopause (with online test)

Possible side effects

The indiscriminate use of DHEA can increase the levels of sex hormones, which can lead to changes in the voice and menstrual cycle, hair loss and hair growth on the face, and worsening of polycystic ovary syndrome in women.

In the case of men, breast enlargement and sensitivity in the region may occur, for example.

Furthermore, excessive use of DHEA can result in insomnia, acne, abdominal pain, increased cholesterol and changes in heart rate, in addition to increasing the risk of bleeding in people who use anticoagulants.

DHEA supplementation may also increase the risk of developing hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, for example.

Who shouldn’t use

The use of DHEA supplements is not recommended for pregnant women, breastfeeding women and children, unless recommended by a general practitioner or endocrinologist.

Furthermore, DHEA supplementation should not be taken by people with a personal or family history of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast, ovarian or prostate.

DHEA supplementation can also reduce the effect of medications such as tamoxifen, anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane or fulvestrant, in addition to the tuberculosis vaccine. Furthermore, it can also increase the effect of medications, such as triazolam, for example.

DHEA is a hormone, so it is important that its use is only done with medical advice.