The safety of 52 weeks of oral DHEA therapy for postmenopausal women.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of 52 weeks of DHEA 50mg daily oral dose given to postmenopausal women with low libido to improve sexual function.


METHODS
93 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a 52-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and received either DHEA 50mg or placebo (PL) daily. The effects of DHEA versus placebo on lipid profile, insulin-glucose homeostasis and the endomentrium were assessed over 52 weeks.


RESULTS
Oral DHEA, 50mg/day, was not associated with any effects on blood lipids or insulin resistance. The pattern of breakthrough bleeding did not substantially differ between the DHEA and PL groups and no significant adverse endometrial effects were apparent.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of 50mg oral DHEA did not significantly alter lipid profile, insulin sensitivity or adversely affect the endometrium in postmenopausal women.
Panjari
Mary
M
NH&MRC Centre of Clinical Research Excellence in the Women's Health Program, Department of Medicine, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Alfred Hospital, Prahran, Victoria, Australia. mary.panjari@med.monash.edu.au
Bell
Robin J
RJ
Jane
Fiona
F
Adams
Jenny
J
Morrow
Corallee
C
Davis
Susan R
SR
D000284:Administration, Oral; D001786:Blood Glucose; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004717:Endometrium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000187:drug effects*; D005260:Female; D020249:Hormone Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood*; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood*; D008796:Metrorrhagia; D008875:Middle Aged; D010919:Placebos / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017698:Postmenopause; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids; D010919:Placebos; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone