Long-term low-dose dehydroepiandrosterone oral supplementation in early and late postmenopausal women modulates endocrine parameters and synthesis of neuroactive steroids.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the effects of a low-dose DHEA supplementation on hormonal parameters in early and late postmenopausal women.


METHODS
Prospective case study.


METHODS
Postmenopausal women in a clinical research environment.


METHODS
Twenty postmenopausal women were divided in two groups according to age (50-55 and 60-65 years).


METHODS
All patients underwent hormonal evaluation before and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months of therapy (25 mg/d of DHEA orally). Pelvic ultrasound examination and Kupperman score were performed before and after 3, 6, and 12 months of therapy.


METHODS
Plasma DHEA, DHEAS, estrone (E1), E2, P, androstenedione (A), T, dihydrotestosterone, 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OHP), cortisol (F), allopregnanolone, beta-endorphin, sexual hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), LH, FSH, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) concentrations.


RESULTS
The levels of all the steroids that derive from DHEA metabolism increased in plasma with DHEA administration. Also neurosteroids (namely allopregnanolone) and endorphin showed increased plasma levels, whereas both gonadotropins were significantly reduced. Endometrial thickness did not change throughout the study period.


CONCLUSIONS
Administration of low doses (25 mg) of DHEA positively modulates several endocrine parameters in early and late postmenopausal women, inducing the increase of the androgenic, estrogenic, and progestogenic milieu and reducing the climateric symptoms, similarly to estroprogestin replacement therapy. These data suggest that DHEA supplementation is a more effective replacement therapy than a simple "dietary supplement."
Genazzani
Alessandro D
AD
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Modena, Modena, Italy. algen@unimore.it
Stomati
Massimo
M
Bernardi
Francesca
F
Pieri
Matteo
M
Rovati
Lucio
L
Genazzani
Andrea R
AR
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000728:Androgens / Q000097:blood*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate / Q000097:blood; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004967:Estrogens / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone / Q000097:blood; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019382:Human Growth Hormone / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause / Q000097:blood / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin / Q000032:analysis; D013997:Time Factors
D000728:Androgens; D004967:Estrogens; D012738:Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin; D019382:Human Growth Hormone; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone; D019314:Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate; D007986:Luteinizing Hormone; D005640:Follicle Stimulating Hormone