Can DHEA Improve Menopause Symptoms?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a critical hormone naturally produced by the body. As we age, our DHEA levels begin to fall. Some people claim that supplementing with a synthetic form of DHEA can provide anti-aging benefits and treat a variety of complaints, including the symptoms of menopause.

But is it effective and safe? University Hospitals OB/GYN provider Jean Marino, CNP, explains more about this popular supplement.

What Is DHEA?

DHEA, which is produced in the adrenal gland, is a “building block” hormone that helps produce other hormones, including sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is one of the most abundantly circulating hormones in the body. Natural DHEA levels peak around age 25 then begins to slowly fall as a person gets older, reaching about 10–20 percent of peak levels by age 70–80.

How Does Low DHEA Affect the Body?

Because of this natural decline in DHEA, researchers have speculated that low DHEA levels could contribute to many conditions and symptoms that affect older adults. These can include:

• Cognitive decline, memory loss and dementia
• Depression
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Metabolism and weight gain
• Muscle mass loss
• Osteoporosis
• Physical performance

Since it plays a role in producing sex hormones that also decline as we age, decreased DHEA has been linked with things like erectile dysfunction and menopause symptoms such as:

• Decreased sex drive
• Diminished skin tone
• Hot flashes
• Vaginal dryness

Can DHEA Supplements Help?

Proponents believe that taking a synthetic DHEA supplement – available over the counter in the form of tablets, capsules, powders, drops and creams – can help with all these symptoms and more. It’s popular among women in their 40s and 50s because of the reported benefits in relieving various symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.

But there is little evidence to support that these conditions are caused by low DHEA levels, or that taking a DHEA supplement can prevent or reverse menopause symptoms, says Marino. Some studies have suggested that synthetic DHEA can raise levels of some hormones in postmenopausal women, but there are conflicting results as to whether it can improve things like sexual function and other symptoms.

“DHEA might be beneficial for menopause symptoms, but we just don’t have the data right now to support it,” said Marino.

DHEA and Safety

There is also little data on the safety of synthetic DHEA supplements. There’s a misconception that taking a supplement instead of a prescription medication is more “natural” and thus safer, says Marino. But because they are not regulated like other drugs, supplements can vary greatly in quality, and it can be hard to separate the good from the bad.

DHEA supplements can have side effects, though research on this is also sparse. It can potentially increase the risk of or exacerbate hormone-related diseases, including breast, ovarian and adrenal cancers, and conditions like endometriosis or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It may also lower HDL or “good” cholesterol levels and may cause things like acne, oily skin and abnormal hair growth.

Like with any supplement, you should always speak with your healthcare provider first if you are considering taking DHEA, says Marino.

A Proven Treatment for Menopause

Unlike DHEA supplements, there’s much more data supporting the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) – also known as menopausal hormone therapy or MHT – to treat the symptoms of menopause. Estrogen can help with symptoms such as mood, memory, sleep, hot flashes and joint pain. It’s available by prescription in the form of pills or transdermal patches, gels, sprays, vaginal rings or vaginal creams and suppositories.

Research also shows that prescription testosterone can be effective in treating low desire, and it’s being increasingly prescribed for menopausal women. Testosterone therapy comes in many forms, including prescription creams, ointments and gels that can be applied topically to the skin.

New data suggests that MHT is safer than previously thought. In general, it’s safest when started before age 60 or within 10 years your final menstrual period. As with other treatments, MHT has both risks and benefits, so talk to your healthcare provider about whether you are a good candidate, says Marino.

“You don’t have to suffer with the symptoms of menopause. There are many great treatments out there, and your provider can help you find the one that works best for you,” says Marino.

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University Hospitals' network of highly trained gynecologists and women’s health experts can help women in menopause or approaching menopause manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Additionally, our midlife women's health program is dedicated to finding solutions to health concerns that affect women as they get older, including menopause, bone loss, cardiovascular health and mental health.