Are there any benefits and side effects to taking DHEA? This is a reprint form the Prescriber’s Letter (Anti-aging effects of DHEA. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter 2006;22(12):221208.)

Commentary
DHEA has been studied in doses ranging from 50 mg to 1600 mg per dose, administered as a single dose or as continuous daily doses for up to one year with mixed results on the primary outcomes used in this study.Although short-term benefits can't be ruled out, the present study suggests that long-term anti-aging benefits aren't likely [Evidence level A; high-quality RCT].2
The combined result seen from men and women taking DHEA showed a slight but statistically significant increase in fat-free mass. The importance of this is probably minimal as there was no difference in measured fitness, thigh-muscle area, or strength in the treatment groups compared to those taking placebo.2 While DHEA had some positive benefit on Bone Mineral Density the evidence is too preliminary to recommend its use for osteoporosis in elderly patients. DHEA's effect on BMD was very small in comparison to standard osteoporosis therapies (e.g., bisphosphonates) which have not only been shown to increase BMD, but to decrease fracture risk as well.
DHEA supplementation has been studied for other conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency (25 mg to 50 mg daily), aging skin, erectile dysfunction (50 mg daily), menopausal symptoms (25 mg to 50 mg daily), osteoporosis (50 mg to 100 mg daily), schizophrenia (25 mg to 100 mg daily), and systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE (100 mg to 600 mg daily) with some success.1,5 In 2000, Genelabs Technologies, Inc. submitted an NDA for the approval of DHEA (prasterone [Prestara]). Initial research focused on improving disease activity and symptoms in women with SLE. Based on placebo-controlled trials, orphan drug status has been granted for prevention of BMD loss in patients with SLE taking glucocorticoids. More Phase III trials are required for approval for prevention of BMD loss and treatment of SLE.3
Side effects associated with DHEA in lower doses (50 mg to 75 mg per day) are typically mild. At doses of 200 mg per day, DHEA frequently causes adverse effects.1 DHEA may cause acne in one-third to over one-half of women at doses used for SLE.5 It can also cause gynecomastia in men6 and lower HDL cholesterol in both men and women.7 Growth of facial and body hair, hair loss, voice deepening, insulin resistance, changes in menstrual pattern, hepatic dysfunction, abdominal pain, and hypertension may also occur. There are case reports of mania occurring in patients taking 50 mg to 300 mg of DHEA daily.1
There is also the question of long-term safety with supplemental use of DHEA and the potential to cause prostate or breast cancer. In the present study, although changes in prostate volume and PSA levels did not differ between treatment and placebo groups, two years may be insufficient to detect adverse effects on the prostate.2 And, whether long-term administration of DHEA will uncover detrimental effects such as those found with estrogen remains unknown.3,4
The current status of DHEA as a supplement means there is no FDA requirement for the composition of the oral dosage form. As a result, commercially available DHEA preparations contain from 0% to 150% of the amount stated on the package.1,4
Whether or not DHEA is safe or increases cancer risk when used for longer than two years is not known and long-term anti-aging benefits have not been proven.1,2  
As always, please let us know if you are taking any supplements or medications prescribed from other doctors.