Summary of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Research

DHEA as a Replacement Therapy: Research highlights the decline of DHEA with age and its potential as a replacement therapy to address age-related disturbances. It could be particularly beneficial for hypoandrogenic men and postmenopausal women, helping to restore hormonal balance and alleviate menopausal symptoms.

Clinical Trials and Regulatory Perspectives: The necessity for more specific clinical trials is emphasized to fully understand DHEA benefits before standard treatment is established. Regulatory perspectives vary, with DHEA considered a dietary supplement in the U.S. and a hormone in many European countries.

Effects on Serum Steroid Levels: Studies show a significant decline in serum DHEA and related adrenal C19-steroids in men aged 40-80, impacting physiological processes during aging. Variability in individuals' DHEA levels is noted, with some experiencing a decline while others show an increase over time.

Supplementation Studies: DHEA supplementation has been explored for various outcomes, including:

• Increasing free testosterone levels in middle-aged men post-HIIT.
• Improving bone mineral density, particularly in older women.
• Enhancing vascular function and metabolic parameters in men with hypercholesterolemia.
• Improving physical and psychological well-being in older adults.

Potential Health Benefits: The research suggests potential health benefits of DHEA supplementation, such as increased bone density and improved body composition in the elderly, although it does not consistently enhance short-term memory or significantly alter sexual function and quality of life in the elderly.

Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects: DHEA may improve vascular function through increased nitric oxide production, benefiting cardiovascular health. However, in young men, DHEA does not boost serum testosterone or enhance the effects of resistance training.

Safety and Sexual Function: A 50mg daily dose of DHEA is considered safe for postmenopausal women, not significantly affecting lipid profiles, insulin sensitivity, or the endometrium.

Conclusion: DHEA presents a promising area for further research into its effects on aging and associated conditions, with studies indicating potential benefits for hormonal balance, bone density, vascular function, and overall well-being.

References:

1. Might DHEA be considered a beneficial replacement therapy in the elderly?
2. Changes in serum concentrations of conjugated and unconjugated steroids in 40- to 80-year-old men
3. Long-term longitudinal measurements of plasma dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in normal men
4. Age changes and sex differences in serum dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations throughout adulthood
5. Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval training
6. Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) increases serum levels of androgens and estrogens but does not enhance short-term memory in post-menopausal women
7. Biotransformation of oral dehydroepiandrosterone in elderly men: significant increase in circulating estrogens
8. Serum dehydroepiandrosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and the subsequent risk of developing colon cancer
9. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in elderly men: a meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials
10. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy on bone mineral density in older adults: a randomized, controlled trial
11. Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men
12. Dehydroepiandrosterone stimulates nitric oxide release in vascular endothelial cells: evidence for a cell surface receptor
13. Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in men
14. Effects of replacement dose of dehydroepiandrosterone in men and women of advancing age
15. Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young men
16. The safety of 52 weeks of oral DHEA therapy for postmenopausal women