[Replacement and supplementation of DHEA--is it a wellness hormone?]

DHEA is an adrenal steroid hormone, the physiological role of which is largely unknown. Since the DHEA/DHEAS levels decrease appreciably with age in most people, DHEA is often considered to have a role to play in the aging process, and its use as an anti-aging or wellness hormone to diminish age-related complaints is often propagated. Studies on this are, however, meager. Currently, there is no definitive indication for DHEA supplementation in persons with low DHEA levels. In adrenal cortex insufficiency in contrast, there is an absolute DHEA deficiency. In women suffering from Addisons's disease or pituitary insufficiency with high-grade DHEA and androgen deficiency, however, substitution makes good pathophysiological sense, and treatment can be useful.