DHEA Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms 34072

DHEA Alleviates Menopausal Symptoms

MODENA, Italy--DHEA has joined the ranks of black cohosh, red cloverand soy isoflavones as a menopausal therapy. In research out of the Universityof Modena, researchers reported DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone, a hormone)positively affected parameters in menopause; their research appeared in theDecember 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 otherhormones in 20 menopausal women. Supplementation of 25 mg/d of DHEA led toincreased levels of steroids derived from DHEA, as well as allopregnanolone (aneuroactive 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 replacementtherapy (HRT). Interestingly, DHEA levels have been seen to decline inmenopausal women taking HRT (Gynecol Endocrinol, 17, 1:65-77, 2003).