title: [Age related dehydroepiandrosterone decrease: clinical significance and therapeutic interest].
abstract: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS) are the most abundant steroids in humans, but their levels fall with age. This decrease has been associated with several age related diseases such as falls, osteoporosis, depression, atherosclerosis and sexual disorders. Moreover, studies have shown positive effects of DHEA administration on several of these disorders, with a satisfying safety profile. Unfortunately, DHEA has been too frequently mediatized as a "fountain of youths, which was responsible for either inadequate prescription, or prescription refusal. Longer studies in large populations should help to better define indications, treatment modalities and long-term treatment safety.
authors.forename: Nikolaos
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Samaras
authors.forename: Dimitrios
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Samaras
authors.forename: Alexandre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Forster
authors.forename: Emilia
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Frangos
authors.forename: Jacques
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Philippe
mesh_terms: D000309:Adrenal Insufficiency / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D000375:Aging / Q000097:blood*; D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone / Q000097:blood* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015536:Down-Regulation; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D003687:Dehydroepiandrosterone