Clinical review: The benefits and harms of systemic dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in postmenopausal women with normal adrenal function: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Elraiyah T, Sonbol MB, Wang Z, Khairalseed T, Asi N, Undavalli C, et al.
Published in J Clin Endocrinol Metab, Vol. 99 (10), pp. 3536-42
Methodology
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of 23 randomised trials (1,188 women) of systemic DHEA in postmenopausal women with normal adrenal function.
Key Findings
DHEA did not significantly improve libido or sexual function (SMD 0.35, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.73; P = .06; I2 = 62%) and had no significant effect on serious adverse events, lipids, glucose, weight, BMI or bone density.
Conclusions
Low-confidence evidence suggests DHEA does not significantly affect sexual symptoms or selected metabolic markers in postmenopausal women.
Limitations
Trials had moderate to high risk of bias; imprecise and inconsistent results.
Supplements Studied
DHEA use was not associated with significant improvement in libido or sexual function
Outcomes Measured
DHEA use was not associated with significant improvement in libido or sexual function
Related Health Concerns
Study Details
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