title: The safety of 52 weeks of oral DHEA therapy for postmenopausal women.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: 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
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Panjari
authors.forename: Robin J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Jane
authors.forename: Jenny
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Adams
authors.forename: Corallee
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Morrow
authors.forename: Susan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Davis
mesh_terms: 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
chemical_list: D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D008055:Lipids; D010919:Placebos; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone