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DHEA therapy for women: effect on sexual function and wellbeing
1NH&MRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in the Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia.
Human Reproduction Update
|January 9, 2007
Summary
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplements for postmenopausal women lack strong evidence for improving libido and wellbeing. More research is needed to confirm DHEA"s safety and efficacy, especially for women with adrenal insufficiency.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Reproductive Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and DHEA-S are abundant sex steroids in women, declining with age.
- These hormones are precursors for androgens and estrogens in non-reproductive tissues.
- Commercial DHEA supplements target improved libido and wellbeing in postmenopausal women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the physiology of DHEA and DHEAS in women.
- To evaluate the existing literature on DHEA therapy for libido and wellbeing in postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- Literature search of Medline (Ovid) and PubMed for original studies.
- Review of randomized controlled trials and studies in women with adrenal insufficiency.
Main Results:
- Limited evidence supports DHEA for libido and wellbeing in healthy postmenopausal women due to small sample sizes and short durations.
- Studies in women with adrenal insufficiency suggest potential mood and libido improvements, but also have short treatment durations.
- Safety data for DHEA therapy are lacking.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence is insufficient to support DHEA for libido and wellbeing in postmenopausal women.
- Further adequately powered, well-designed, randomized placebo-controlled trials are necessary.
- Women with adrenal insufficiency may be the most likely group to benefit from DHEA supplementation.
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