DHEA-can it turn back time?

Abstract

Introduction: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been touted as “the fountain of youth” with its ability to reverse the signs of aging. It is sold as a dietary supplement and aggressively marketed for everything from wrinkles to dementia. We will examine DHEA and its use specifically in female sexual health. Methods: Comprehensive review of the current medical literature. Focus will be on large, randomised, placebo controlled trials. Results: There is evidence to support its use for menopausal symptoms and vaginal atrophy. The FDA recently approved its use in intravaginal form for painful intercourse. It is now being studied for sexual dysfunction and sexual desire disorders. Discussion: There is a large amount of research and interest in this compound. There is a dearth of placebo controlled trials to help guide clinical use. Safety, efficacy, dosage and mode of formulation need to be studied. All indications thus far suggest that this is a potentially beneficial and safe medication with wide ranging implications for improvement of many parameters of sexual health.L619418640 <br />