DHEA Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms

MODENA, Italy--DHEA has joined the ranks of black cohosh, red clover and soy isoflavones as a menopausal therapy. In research out of the University of Modena, researchers reported DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone) positively affected parameters in menopause; their research appeared in the December edition of Fertility and Sterility (80, 6:1495-501, 2003; www.asrm.org/Professionals/Fertility&Sterility/fspage.html).

The researchers measured levels of DHEA, estrogen, cortisol and other hormones in 20 menopausal women. Supplementation of 25 mg/d of DHEA led to increased levels of steroids derived from DHEA, as well as allopregnanolone (a neuroactive steroid involved with peripheral circulation) and endorphins (neurotransmitters that reduce the feeling of pain). On the other hand, gonadotropins (which induce ovulation) decreased.

Ultimately, DHEA reduced menopausal symptoms similarly to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Interestingly, DHEA levels have been seen to decline in menopausal women taking HRT (Gynecol Endocrinol, 17, 1:65-77, 2003).