Herbs & Supplements

When should I be careful taking it?

Women with hormone-dependent conditions such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, and cancer of the breast, ovaries, or uterus should not take or use DHEA due to its possible estrogenic effects. Men with prostate cancer should also avoid taking DHEA.

Pregnant women and women who are breast-feeding should not use DHEA.

DHEA converts to DHEA-s in the liver. Taking it can worsen impaired or abnormal liver function, so individuals with known or suspected liver conditions should not take DHEA.

Precautions

Because DHEA could interfere with insulin use by the body, individuals who have diabetes should check with their doctors before beginning to take DHEA. Individuals with diabetes who do take or use DHEA may need to check blood sugar levels more often.

Mood disorders have been reported to worsen when DHEA is taken. Individuals who have or have had depression should take DHEA with caution. If signs of unusual excitability, irritability or mood changes occur while DHEA is being taken, it should be stopped and a doctor should be contacted promptly.

High levels of DHEA have been associated with negative effects on cognition (thinking, reasoning, and memory) for older women and for individuals with schizophrenia. While a definite link has not been established, supplemental DHEA may decrease mental abilities.

Taking DHEA as a dietary supplement can prevent the body from producing DHEA naturally. In general, natural DHEA production does not begin to decline until after the age of 30. Individuals under 30 years of age should not take DHEA, unless they are advised to take it by a doctor.