Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency
Arlt W, Callies F, van Vlijmen JC, Koehler I, Reincke M, Bidlingmaier M, et al.
Published in N Engl J Med, Vol. 341 (14), pp. 1013-20
Methodology
Double-blind crossover trial: 24 women with adrenal insufficiency took 50 mg DHEA each morning for 4 months and placebo for 4 months, in random order, with a 1-month washout. Hormones, lipids, well-being and sexuality were measured with validated questionnaires.
Key Findings
DHEA raised DHEA, DHEAS, androstenedione and testosterone into the normal range and lowered SHBG, total and HDL cholesterol. Overall well-being, depression and anxiety scores improved (global severity index change -0.18 vs +0.03 with placebo, P = 0.02), as did sexual thoughts (P = 0.006), sexual interest (P = 0.002) and sexual satisfaction.
Conclusions
The authors concluded that DHEA improves well-being and sexuality in women with adrenal insufficiency.
Limitations
Small; 4 months per treatment; later trials with longer follow-up did not all confirm the benefit.
Supplements Studied
50 mg of dehydroepiandrosterone orally each morning for four months
Outcomes Measured
raised the initially low serum concentrations of dehydroepiandrosterone
significantly increased the frequency of sexual thoughts (P=0.006)
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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