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Dehydroepiandrosterone and ageing.

¹Division of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedical Research, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TH, UK. w.arlt@bham.ac.uk

Best Practice & Research. Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism

|July 21, 2004

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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) levels decline with age, but evidence does not support its use as an anti-aging hormone in healthy elderly individuals. Potential adverse effects, including tumor growth, warrant caution.

Area of Science:

Endocrinology
Aging Research
Neurosteroids

Background:

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a key adrenal steroid whose secretion decreases with age.
Its role as an 'anti-aging' hormone is under investigation, but the significance of age-related decline is unclear.
DHEA acts via conversion to sex steroids and potentially through direct neurosteroidal mechanisms.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of DHEA supplementation in healthy elderly subjects.
To assess the role of DHEA in aging and its potential as an anti-aging therapy.

Main Methods:

Review of randomized, controlled trials (RCTs) investigating DHEA effects in healthy elderly populations.
Analysis of DHEA's mechanisms of action, including conversion to sex steroids and direct cellular effects.

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Main Results:

Current RCT evidence does not support significant beneficial effects of DHEA in healthy aging individuals.
No major improvements were observed, and potential risks, such as promoting sex steroid-dependent tumors, were noted.

Conclusions:

DHEA supplementation is not currently justified for healthy elderly individuals based on available evidence.
Further research is needed to clarify DHEA's role in adrenal insufficiency and in patients on glucocorticoid therapy.