Treating Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: DHEA
DHEA or Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone produced mostly
by the adrenal glands that is a precursor to male and female sex hormones
(androgens and estrogens). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after
age 30.The exact role DHEA plays in the body is unclear but is believed to
have links to mood and energy and possibly immune competence.
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DHEA and Disease Reduced levels of DHEA and DHEA-S have been
associated with adrenal insufficiency, coronary artery disease, memory
impairment, and type 2 diabetes.
Studies have examined the effects of DHEA supplementation in over 25
disorders including adrenal insufficiency, depression, cancer, AIDS and CFS.
DHEA has been of some benefit in treating depression, obesity, Addison’s
disease and lupus. The benefit in lupus may derive from DHEA’s ability to
counteract some effects of steroid administration.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and FM Studies At least 8 studies have measured DHEA/DHEA-S
levels in CFS. Overall study quality is not reported to be high. Study
results have been inconsistent with a tendency towards reduced DHEA levels.
Citing the need for more research the Mayo Clinic gives DHEA a ‘C’ grade in
treating CFS and a ‘D’ in treating FM.
Protocol Because it is a powerful hormone WholeHealth MD recommends
DHEA only be taken under the care of physician. They give the following
recommendation: "Before starting to take DHEA supplements, have a blood
test to determine your present level of this hormone. Only proceed if your
level is low; healthy people under age 50 rarely need to take this
supplement. Have another blood test three weeks after taking DHEA to
determine if a satisfactory DHEA blood level has been reached. Once within
the normal range, revert to a maintenance dose (typically 5 to 10 mg a
week)."
Dr. Ray Sahelian, M.D., the author of DHEA: A Practical Guide, Mind
Boosters, and Natural Sex Boosters recommends that more than 5 mg./day of
DHEA should not be taken on a long term basis. Many supplements contain more
than 5 mgs. of DHEA.
Warning Because DHEA is a hormone it could theoretically increase
the risk of hormone sensitive cancers if supplementation increases DHEA
levels higher than normal. Because DHEA could possibly increase the risk of
prostate, breast, and ovarian cancers, the Mayo clinic does not recommend
its use without the supervision by a licensed health professional. WebHealthMD recommends DHEA not be taken if you are risk for prostate or
breast cancer.
Supplements One analysis of DHEA supplements found that only 7 out
of the 16 assayed products contained DHEA within a 10% variation of the
labeled content. Some products contained no detectable DHEA at all.
Long-term Effects No studies on the long-term effects of DHEA have
been conducted.
Side Effects High levels of DHEA can cause very oily skin, acne,
increased facial hair in women, deepening of the voice, and mood swings and
theoretically cancer.
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Mayo Clinic: DHEA
The neuroendocrinology of chronic fatigue syndrome. Endocr Rev.,
Cleare AJ. 2003 Apr;24(2):236-52. Review.
Quality control of dehydroepiandrosterone dietary supplement products.
Parasrampuria J, Schwartz K, Petesch R. JAMA 1998;280:1565.