Dehydroepiandrosterone
About
Dehydroepiandrosterone belongs to the class of medications called ‘endogenous steroid hormone‘ used in the treatment of vaginal atrophy. When a woman cannot become pregnant within a year of trying, then the condition is called female infertility. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences miscarriages or stillbirths, it is also included in infertility.
Dehydroepiandrosterone contains ‘dehydroepiandrosterone’, which is a hormone. It increases the chances of pregnancy by regulating of ovulation process (release of eggs from the ovary). It acts by increasing the number of eggs produced by the ovary. An egg must be released from the ovary to get fertilized by a sperm cell to get pregnant.
You should take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. Dehydroepiandrosterone may cause side effects such as acne, unwanted hair growth or deeper voice in women (hirsutism), mood changes, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
It is not recommended to take Dehydroepiandrosterone if you are allergic to any contents of it. Dehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended if you have hormone-sensitive cancers such as prostate, breast or ovarian cancer, high cholesterol, heart diseases, and mood disorders. Dehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women. Dehydroepiandrosterone should not be used in children and the elderly without a doctor’s advice. Dehydroepiandrosterone may not affect your ability to drive.
Uses of Dehydroepiandrosterone
Medicinal Benefits
Dehydroepiandrosterone contains ‘dehydroepiandrosterone’, a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands in the body. However, the levels decrease after 30 years of age. So, it is used as a supplement. It helps to improve fertility in women by regulating the ovulation process (release of an egg from the ovary). It also helps to slow down the ageing process and decrease vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women, depression, and osteoporosis (bone thinning).
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Dehydroepiandrosterone
-
Acne
-
Mood changes
-
Headache
-
Fatigue
-
Insomnia
-
Unwanted hair growth or deeper voice in women (hirsutism)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Dehydroepiandrosterone can reduce high-density cholesterol (HDL) levels (considered good cholesterol), so it should not be used in people with high cholesterol. Dehydroepiandrosterone may increase the risk of cancers. So, it should not be taken in high doses or prolonged periods unless prescribed by the doctor. Dehydroepiandrosterone may cause urinating problems when used in people with an enlarged prostate. Dehydroepiandrosterone may worsen heart problems, liver diseases, blood clotting problems, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (enlarged ovaries with small cysts that cause irregular or prolonged menstrual periods).
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Dehydroepiandrosterone may interact with medicines used to treat fits (carbamazepine and valproic acid), antidepressants (lithium, fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram, etc.), antipsychotic medicines (clozapine, olanzapine, chlorpromazine, promazine, and thioridazine, etc.), medicine that induce sleep (triazolam), hormonal drugs (estrogen and testosterone), and medicine used to treat diabetes (insulin).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Dehydroepiandrosterone should be used with caution in people with heart problems, liver disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome (enlarged ovaries with small cysts), blood clotting problems, cancers of the breast, prostate, and ovary.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known whether Dehydroepiandrosterone can interact with alcohol. However, avoid or limit consumption of alcohol while on treatment with this medicine.
Pregnancy
unsafeDehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may harm your foetus. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended for use in breastfeeding as it may harm your infant. Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
Driving
safe if prescribedDehydroepiandrosterone may not affect your ability to drive.
Liver
cautionDehydroepiandrosterone should be used with caution in patients with liver diseases as it may cause liver damage and worsen your condition.
Kidney
cautionDehydroepiandrosterone should be used with caution in patients with kidney diseases. Your doctor may adjust the dose based on your condition.
Children
cautionPlease consult your doctor. Your doctor will decide the dose of Dehydroepiandrosterone based on your child's age and condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
-
Do regular exercise and physical activity. Maintain a healthy weight. Besides this, weight-bearing exercises can help in making your bone strong. Aerobics, yoga, and activities like tai chi may help relax the body and mind.
-
Consume a healthy diet, including food rich in antioxidants, fibre-rich foods, and high-fat dairy. Cut down on carbs or limit refined carbs.
-
Try to be stress-free to improve your mood swings due to hormonal fluctuations.
-
Limit caffeine intake.
-
Quit smoking and limit alcohol consumption as these can be risk factors for female infertility.
Special Advise
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Female Infertility: When a woman cannot become pregnant within a year of trying, the condition is called female infertility. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences miscarriages or stillbirths, it is also included in infertility. It can occur due to ovulation disorders (problems with ovaries), damage to the fallopian tubes and problems with the uterus or cervix. The risk factors include age, being overweight or obese, smoking, alcoholism and sexually transmitted infections.
FAQs
Dehydroepiandrosterone contains the hormone 'Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA).' It is produced by the body naturally. However, after 30 years, the levels begin to fall. As a result, it is a supplement for women who are having difficulty getting pregnant. DHEA works by stimulating the ovary to produce more eggs. This effect increases the likelihood of pregnancy.
Dehydroepiandrosterone may interfere with the action of insulin, a hormone that regulates glucose levels in the body. So, inform your doctor that you have diabetes before taking Dehydroepiandrosterone. If prescribed, the doctor may advise you to monitor blood glucose levels regularly while using this medicine.
Dehydroepiandrosterone may cause side effects such as acne, unwanted hair growth or deeper voice in women (hirsutism), mood changes, headache, fatigue, and insomnia. If any of these side effects persist or get worse, inform your doctor immediately.
Dehydroepiandrosterone may treat depression. However, you should take this medication after discussing with the doctor the possible risks and benefits associated with this medicine.
Female infertility can be cured in most cases by an appropriate therapy such as medicines, surgery, assisted reproductive technology (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF), or a combination of these therapies. The doctor will suggest a suitable treatment depending on the cause of your infertility.
