DHEA replacement for postmenopausal women: have we been looking in the right direction?

Abstract

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate represent the most abundant sex steroid in humans. In addition to age-related reduction, serum DHEA shows large interindividual variability. Although cross-sectional studies suggest that lower levels are associated with cardiovascular, cognitive and sexual impairment in women, clinical trials of oral DHEA replacement have failed to show benefits. However, current evidence is too imprecise to draw definite conclusions.

Key words::

• DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE
• DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE SULFATE
• HORMONE THERAPY
• POSTMENOPAUSE

Conflict of interest The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding Nil.