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What Are the Side Effects of Taking DHEA?

DHEA is the short name for Dehydroepiandrosterone, a natural hormone produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is also one of the few hormones that have been synthesized and is being sold over the counter, marketed mainly to bodybuilders and athletes because of its supposed qualities as a fat burner and muscle mass promoter. Despite its many benefits, DHEA has also a series of side effects that should be taken into consideration.

  1. Significance

    • The side effects of DHEA become more prominent in those taking doses of 100 mg or more a day. This is the level at which the risk for cancer increases and the point when the liver becomes overworked. In fact, DHEA can cause oxidative damage to the liver that is irreversible. To reduce the risks of damage, experts recommend talking to a doctor about risks and taking vitamin C and selenium supplements.

    Features

    • The most common side effects of DHEA are, at first view, cosmetic. In women, DHEA can cause the appearance of facial hair, while in men it can cause enlarged breasts. Both men and women can experience thinning hair, increased perspiration and acne breakouts. It may also cause oily skin and menstrual irregularity, although this last symptom can disappear once the body becomes used to the increased amount of DHEA in the blood.

    Effects

    • On the serious side, DHEA can lead to heart palpitations, mood changes, irritability and cardiac arrhythmia. Mania attacks have also been reported at high doses (over 200mg). Migraines, breast tenderness and increased blood pressure are also likely, although most experts agree that these symptoms are temporary and only show in those taking high doses of the hormone.

    Expert Insight

    • Long-term safety data regarding the use of DHEA is not available, mainly because there hasn't been enough studies but also because DHEA did not become so widely used until just a couple of decades ago. Long-term use of DHEA does increase the risk for prostate and breast cancer, which should be a consideration for those with a family history of the disease. Other than that, most side effects are temporary and will wear off after stopping the supplement.

    Warning

    • DHEA has serious interactions with certain drugs, most notably Diltiazem, a calcium blocker and vasodilator used in the treatment of hypertension. Other hypertension drugs, such as Amlodipine, may also be affected by the intake of DHEA, as can Metformin and several other anti-diabetic drugs. For those taking these medications, having a talk with a medical professional becomes essential.

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