DHEA for Menopause

DHEA for menopause is the subject of controversy in the world of natural supplements. A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands of both men and women, DHEA has been touted for many grand benefits. However, before women consider it for menopause symptoms, it is important to understand what DHEA is proven to do and what is just anecdotal. It is also necessary to understand how to take DHEA to avoid unpleasant side effects.

The Facts

• DHEA is a natural hormone that everyone produces in their bodies. Levels of DHEA peak when a person is 25 years old and then gradually decline with age. By the time a person reaches 70, the body produces about 20 percent of what it used to make.

  Because this decline is part of aging, DHEA supplements are often marketed as an anti-aging product, but this has not been proven. Deficiencies with DHEA have been linked to a decrease in memory and mental clarity, osteoporosis, breast cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Function

• The average person makes 25 mg of DHEA each day in his body. Men always have more DHEA than women. DHEA is converted into testosterone and estrogen within the body. As women enter menopause, these hormones are naturally decreased due to the decrease in manufactured DHEA.

  There is evidence that DHEA for menopause can be helpful in minimizing symptoms such as vaginal dryness, poor skin tone and low sex drive. It has also been shown to increase bone mass significantly.

Types

• There are three forms of DHEA available for purchase. Tablets or capsules may be taken once or twice a day, depending on doctor recommendations. In this form, DHEA can be purchased at any drug store or health food store as well as online.

  DHEA creams can also be purchased easily by those looking for menopause relief. It is important to note that these creams usually use wild yam for their source of DHEA. There is evidence that this form of DHEA may not be metabolized by the body and therefore cannot be used effectively.

  DHEA can also be purchased in liquid form. Often this is purchased at compounding pharmacies with a doctor's prescription. Always be sure the pharmacy your DHEA, or any other medication, is accredited through the Pharmaceutical Compounding Accreditation Board.

Considerations

• Before deciding to supplement DHEA for menopause symptoms, keep in mind that many of the claims for DHEA are unproven. Studies have shown conflicting evidence of the benefits of DHEA for menopause.

  Other claims, such as dramatic weight loss and muscle enhancement as well as promises to cure depression and osteoporosis, should all be considered hype. There is no evidence to support these claims. DHEA supplements should only be done under the supervision of a doctor who has determined there is a deficiency in need of correction.

Side Effects

• The main reason for supplementing under a doctor's guidance is the possibility of side effects. These side effects will depend on the hormone that is most dominant in the body. Someone with dominant testosterone may experience irritability as well as an annoying growth of unwanted body hair. Estrogen dominance may result in moodiness and tender breasts.

  More serious side effects may include an increased risk of cancer. Women with breast cancer may find that DHEA stimulates the growth of cancer cells. DHEA may also increase the risk of ovarian cancer. However, it may suppress the growth of cancer cells as well.

  A doctor will conduct tests to determine if a hormonal imbalance is present as well as to check DHEA levels. If it appears that if supplementation is needed, a prescription will be given and treatment will be monitored carefully. DHEA can be a very useful and beneficial supplement, but self-prescribing is never a wise move.