Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Benefits, Dosage, Side Effects, Drug Interactions, and Other Important Information

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone and nutritional supplement that has drawn a lot of attention for its potential to improve mental clarity, alertness, and concentration. For those considering the responsible use of this nootropic supplement, this article seeks to offer a thorough analysis of DHEA, covering its chemical composition, physiological mode of action, health advantages, ideal dosage, potential side effects, and drug interactions.

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Nature of DHEA

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is also known as the endogenous steroid hormone. DHEA is a precursor of oestrogen and testosterone which are the two other sex hormones. It is produced in the brain, gonads, and adrenal glands and is essential for controlling a number of bodily physiological functions. DHEA modulates neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis in the brain through its interactions with neurotransmitter systems as a neurosteroid. DHEA’s status as a nootropic substance is explained by its capacity to improve mood, memory, and cognitive function, as well as by its possible neuroprotective properties.

Health Benefits of DHEA

1. Better Thinking and Recall

The elderly and people with neurodegenerative diseases are found to have lower endogenous DHEA levels. Hence, supplementation with DHEA has been shown to improve cognitive performance and memory in these populations. DHEA-supplemented older adults outperformed the placebo group on tests of working memory, attention, and executive function in a randomized, double-blind research. DHEA supplementation has been proven to improve cognitive performance and memory in those with mild cognitive impairment in other trials.

2. Enhanced happiness and general health

Improved mood and mental health have been linked to DHEA supplementation, which may be the result of the hormone’s ability to influence other neurotransmitter systems. Those who took DHEA supplements in a randomized, double-blind research reported much less depressive symptoms and greater gains in well-being than those who took a placebo. Based on these results, DHEA merits further investigation as a possible treatment drug for mood disorders like sadness and anxiety.

3. Results in Neuroprotection

Preclinical research have shown that DHEA has neuroprotective characteristics, suggesting it may be useful in avoiding or alleviating the symptoms of neurodegenerative diseases. DHEA has been proven to prevent or slow neuronal loss and amyloid-beta plaque buildup in animal models of Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, DHEA has been shown to be neuroprotective in ischemia models, where it has been shown to lessen neuronal damage and hasten functional recovery after ischemic shocks. These results suggest that DHEA may have neuroprotective effects in humans, which calls for further study in human clinical trials.

Chemistry of DHEA

5-Androsten-3-ol-17-one, or DHEA is a steroid hormone naturally produced by the body in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. The chemical composition of this substance is C19H28O2 and its molecular weight is 288.42 g/mol. DHEA has a four-ring structure consisting of three cyclohexane rings and one cyclopentane ring, placing it in the androstane class of steroids. DHEA plays an important function in the regulation of different physiological processes as a precursor to sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen.

Physiological Mechanism of Action of DHEA

The main role of DHEA in the body is as a prohormone, facilitating the production of androgens and estrogens. The enzymes 3-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase catalyze the chain of events that transform it into these steroid sex hormones. DHEA is a neurosteroid that regulates the brain’s neurotransmitter systems in addition to its direct hormonal effects.

DHEA’s neurosteroid activities, which include modulating neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and neurogenesis, are largely responsible for its cognition-boosting effects. Evidence suggests that DHEA influences the release of dopamine and serotonin through interacting with the sigma-1 receptor, the GABAA receptor, and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. The cognitive effects of DHEA supplementation have been linked to changes in neural signaling and plasticity, which are mediated by these interactions.

Optimal Dosage of DHEA

Due to individual differences in reaction and the scarcity of existing human studies, pinpointing the ideal dose of DHEA for cognitive enhancement has been presented to be particularly difficult. However, 25–50 mg of DHEA per day is a normal starting dosage, and this can be taken all at once or split up during the day. If smaller doses are not producing the desired cognitive effects, some users may increase their daily dosage up to 100 mg provided it is well tolerated. Because of the wide range of possible responses to DHEA, it is important to begin treatment with a modest dose and gradually increase it if necessary while keeping an eye out for any unwanted effects.

Side Effects of DHEA

DHEA appears to have a low potential for adverse consequences. Some users, however, have mentioned experiencing mild to moderate adverse effects such as acne, greasy skin, hair loss, tummy aches, and mood swings. DHEA can have hormonal effects, therefore balancing the dosage or taking it with other supplements will help reduce or eliminate these symptoms. Some people who take DHEA supplements, especially those with pre-existing health concerns or a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, may experience more serious side effects, such as an increased risk of hormone-sensitive tumors or cardiovascular events. If you have any preexisting medical disorders or a family history of hormone-sensitive malignancies, you should talk to your doctor before starting DHEA supplementation.

Potential Substance Interactions with DHEA

DHEA, like any other supplement or drug, could potentially have negative interactions with other medications. These are a few examples of possible interactions:

1. Hormone Replacement Treatment (HRT): DHEA’s transformation into sex hormones may have additive or synergistic effects with HRT, which could raise the risk of negative effects. It’s important to use caution when combining DHEA and HRT and to do so only under medical supervision.
2. Anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs: Warfarin, aspirin, and clopidogrel are examples of anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. DHEA may have minor anticoagulant and antiplatelet effects, which could increase the risk of bleeding if used together. If you are on any of these medications, it is imperative that you speak with your doctor before using DHEA.
3. Diabetes medications: DHEA has the ability to influence glycemic management in those taking insulin or oral hypoglycemic medications by influencing blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity. If you’re on either of these medications, it’s especially important to keep a close eye on your blood sugar levels and talk to your doctor before taking DHEA.

Best Responsible Use of DHEA

The following recommendations for the safe usage of DHEA by those interested in utilizing it as a nootropic supplement:

1. To reduce the risk of unpleasant side effects, it’s best to start with a low dose and gradually increase it if needed.
2. If you are taking any drugs or supplements, especially those with the potential for interactions, you should talk to your doctor before using DHEA.
3. Before using DHEA, it is important to read and understand extensively about the compound, learning as much as possible about its mechanism of action, advantages, and potential hazards.
4. Fourth, keep an eye on how DHEA affects your mood and mental health.

DHEA: Conclusion

Our body is regulated by various hormones and mechanisms and this includes the endogenous steroid hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). This hormone is recognized as the precursor to the body’s two main sex hormones which are testosterone and estrogen. It is found that DHEA supplementation can help in memory recall and cognitive performance in older age groups. Aside from functional commands, DHEA is also shown in studies to improve your mood and mental health.

Before including this supplement in your day-to-day routine, make sure that you do not have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers or you have a family history of hormone-sensitive malignancies. If you have such a history, you might not be a suitable candidate for DHEA supplementation since it might cause unpleasant or even adverse side effects upon usage. Overall, this hormone carries great potential as a nootropic but it must be used with caution and under the right guidance.  

References:

1. Wang, F., He, Y., Santos, H. O., Sathian, B., Price, J. C., & Diao, J. (2020). The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on body composition and blood pressure: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Retrieved from:  Steroids, 163, 108710.
2. Nenezic, N., Kostic, S., Strac, D. S., Grunauer, M., Nenezic, D., Radosavljevic, M., Jancic, J., & Samardzic, J. (2023). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): pharmacological effects and potential therapeutic application. Retrieved from: Mini-reviews in Medicinal Chemistry, 23(8), 941–952.
3. Rutkowski, K., Sowa, P., Rutkowska-Talipska, J., Kuryliszyn-Moskal, A., & Rutkowski, R. (2014). Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Hypes and hopes. Retrieved from: Drugs, 74(11), 1195–1207.

Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.

Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.