Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 26, 2026
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
Doping Status of DHEA Treatment for Female Athletes with Adrenal Insufficiency
David J Handelsman1, Alvin M Matsumoto, David F Gerrard
1*ANZAC Research Institute, University of Sydney, Concord Hospital, New South Wales, Australia; †Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, and Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington; and ‡Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand Chair, WADA TUE Expert Group, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Objective:
To review the doping status of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for female athletes with adrenal insufficiency within the framework of Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) applications for this proandrogen, which is included on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)'s Prohibited List.
Data Sources And Main Results:
Current knowledge of adrenal pathophysiology with a focus on the physiological role and pharmacological effects of DHEA in female athletes including placebo-controlled clinical trials of DHEA and consensus clinical practice and prescribing guidelines.
Conclusions:
Because there is no convincing clinical evidence to support the use of DHEA replacement therapy in women with adrenal failure, a TUE for DHEA is not justified by definite health benefit for either secondary or primary adrenal failure. This is consistent with the 2014 update of the US Endocrine Society guidelines, meta-analyses of DHEA treatment in women with or without adrenal failure, current WADA TUE guidance document for adrenal insufficiency and recent case law of WADA's Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Adrenal Gland Disorders
Adrenal insufficiency, characterized by insufficient cortisol and aldosterone production, leads to conditions like Addison's disease. This disorder, affecting the adrenal cortex, exhibits symptoms such as skin bronzing, dehydration, low blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, a genetic ailment causing...
01:31Hormones of the Adrenal Glands
The adrenal cortex, a powerhouse of hormone synthesis, generates over two dozen corticosteroid hormones. The zona glomerulosa produces mineralocorticoids, exemplified by aldosterone, influencing the electrolyte composition of body fluids. The synthesis of glucocorticoids such as cortisol and...
01:30Adrenergic Agonists: Therapeutic Uses
Emergency and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) applications: Pressor agents increase blood pressure, heart rate, and contractility in shock and organ failure situations. Dopamine can induce vasodilation and stimulate adrenoceptors. Endogenous catecholamines are effective in treating cardiogenic shock. α2-agonists like clonidine can reverse anesthesia-induced hypertension.
Allergies and...
01:16Insulin: Dosing Regimen and Adverse Effects
The basal dose constitutes about 40%-50% of the total daily dose, with the rest as premeal insulin. The mealtime insulin dose should mirror...
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
01:27Major Hormones and Their Functions
Oxytocin, produced in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, plays a role in social bonding, childbirth, and...