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Dehydroepiandrosterone to enhance physical performance: myth and reality
Stefanie Hahner1, Bruno Allolio
1Department of Medicine I, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.
Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinics of North America
|February 4, 2010
Summary
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation does not enhance physical performance in elderly individuals or male athletes. Its perceived ergogenic effects are largely unsubstantiated, despite its status as a prohibited substance by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Sports Science
- Anti-Doping
Background:
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal steroid converted to sex steroids.
- Oral DHEA can elevate androgen levels, leading to its prohibition by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
- Despite its prohibition, evidence for DHEA's ergogenic (performance-enhancing) activity is scarce.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the ergogenic potential of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation.
- To assess the impact of DHEA on physical performance in different populations.
Main Methods:
- Review of randomized trials in elderly subjects with age-related DHEA decline.
- Analysis of short-term studies involving healthy male athletes using higher DHEA doses.
Main Results:
- Long-term DHEA administration (50 mg/d) in elderly subjects showed little to no enhancement in physical performance.
- Short-term studies with higher DHEA doses in male athletes yielded negative results.
- The performance-enhancing belief surrounding DHEA appears to be more myth than reality.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support an ergogenic activity of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in elderly individuals or male athletes.
- While studies in female athletes are limited, high-dose DHEA is not expected to enhance performance and may cause adverse effects like hirsutism, acne, and alopecia.
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