|  | Diet Nutrition | Nutritional Supplements

The DHEA Supplement Side Effects

The adrenal glands naturally produce the steroid hormone 5-Dehydroepiandrosterone, also known as DHEA. In humans, DHEA acts as a "master hormone" that the body can convert into other steroid hormones when needed, such as testosterone and estrogen. Natural production of DHEA begins to decline after age 20, and individuals taking DHEA seek the restorative benefits of this supplement, such as increased muscle mass and bone density and an improved overall state of mental health and energy.

  1. Common Side Effects

    • The Mayo Clinic reports that individuals taking DHEA have complained of side effects ranging from headache and fatigue to nasal congestion, insomnia and altered emotional states.

    Sexual Changes

    • DHEA can convert to testosterone, which produces both anabolic (tissue-building) as well as androgenic (masculinizing) effects. According to the "Prevention" website, patients taking DHEA in clinical trials have experienced masculine changes, such as increased acne, oily skin, excessive perspiration and the growth of facial hair. Increased testosterone can also cause women to suffer changes to their menstrual cycle, including stoppage of their periods. As excess testosterone can naturally convert to estrogen, taking DHEA can also cause breast tissue tenderness and gynecomastia, which is the development of male breasts.

    Cancer Risks

    • The "Prevention" website reports that DHEA that converts to testosterone can put users at risk for prostate cancer. "Prevention" also indicates that studies of women taking DHEA have shown that DHEA can put them at risk for ovarian cancer. Once taken, DHEA undergoes conversion to DHEA-sulfate, which the blood then transports throughout the body. "Prevention" reports that some studies have shown that higher blood levels of DHEA correlate to higher risks of breast cancer.

      Additionally, the Mayo Clinic warns that women taking the breast-cancer drug Tamoxifen as part of their treatment may want to avoid taking DHEA, as the supplement might increase cancer tissue resistance to Tamoxifen.

    Contraindications

    • While DHEA is sold as a supplement and not regulated by the Federal Food and Drug Administration, the website "RxList" suggests that individuals suffering from or prone to a number of conditions should not take DHEA. "RxList" advises women not to take DHEA during pregnancy or while breast-feeding. People predisposed to prostate cancer should also avoid taking DHEA, as excess testosterone can enlarge the prostate and exacerbate existing prostate cancer. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) should not take DHEA. "RxList" also recommends that anyone with diabetes, liver disease, depression or other mood disorders should refrain from taking DHEA.

      The Mayo Clinic recommends that individuals should not take DHEA if a doctor has diagnosed them with clotting disorders or heart arrhythmias.

Nutritional Supplements - Related Articles