There is no evidence that DHEA  improves quality of life but there is some evidence that it is associated with and rogenic side effects .
There is uncertainty whether DHEA decreases menopausal symptoms , but DHEA may slightly improve sexual function compared with placebo
BACKGROUND During menopause a decreasing ovarian follicular response generally causes a fluctuation and eventual decrease in estrogen levels .
This can lead to the development of various perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms ( for example hot flushes , night sweats , vaginal dryness ) .
Dehydroepi and rosterone ( DHEA ) is one of the main precursors of and rogens , which in turn are converted to testosterone and estrogens .
It is possible that the administration of DHEA may increase estrogen and testosterone levels in peri- and postmenopausal women to alleviate their symptoms and improve general wellbeing and sexual function ( for example libido , dyspareunia , satisfaction ) .
Treatment with DHEA is controversial as there is uncertainty about its effectiveness and safety .
This review should clearly outline the evidence for DHEA in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and evaluate its effectiveness and safety by combining the results of r and omised controlled trials .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of administering DHEA to women with menopausal symptoms in the peri- or postmenopausal phase .
A randomized trial of oral DHEA treatment for sexual function, well-being, and menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women with low libido.
INTRODUCTION Dehydroepi and rosterone ( DHEA ) and its sulfate DHEAS , which are the most abundant steroids in women , decline with age . We have shown association between low sexual function and low circulating DHEAS levels in women . AIM The aim of this study was to evaluate whether restoration of circulating DHEA levels in postmenopausal women to the levels seen in young individuals improves sexual function . METHODS Ninety-three postmenopausal women not using concurrent estrogen therapy were enrolled in a 52-week r and omized , double-blind , placebo controlled trial and received either DHEA 50 mg or placebo ( PL ) daily . MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Efficacy was assessed through 26 weeks . The main outcome measures were the change in total satisfying sexual events ( SSE ) and the change in the Sabbatsberg Sexual Self-Rating Scale ( SSS ) total score . Secondary measures were the Psychological General Well-Being Question naire ( PGWB ) , and the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Question naire ( MENQOL ) . Hormonal levels , adverse events ( AEs ) , serious adverse events ( SAEs ) and clinical labs were evaluated over 52 weeks . RESULTS Eighty-five participants ( 91 % ) were included in the 26-week efficacy analysis . There were no significant differences between the DHEA and PL groups in the change in total SSE per month or the SSS , PGWB , and MENQOL change scores . Overall AE reports and number of withdrawals as a result of AEs were similar in both groups ; however more women in the DHEA group experienced and rogenic effects of acne and increased hair growth . CONCLUSIONS In this study treatment of postmenopausal women with low sexual desire with 50 mg/day DHEA result ed in no significant improvements in sexual function over PL therapy over 26 weeks
There is no evidence that DHEA  improves quality of life but there is some evidence that it is associated with and rogenic side effects .
There is uncertainty whether DHEA decreases menopausal symptoms , but DHEA may slightly improve sexual function compared with placebo
BACKGROUND During menopause a decreasing ovarian follicular response generally causes a fluctuation and eventual decrease in estrogen levels .
This can lead to the development of various perimenopausal and postmenopausal symptoms ( for example hot flushes , night sweats , vaginal dryness ) .
Dehydroepi and rosterone ( DHEA ) is one of the main precursors of and rogens , which in turn are converted to testosterone and estrogens .
It is possible that the administration of DHEA may increase estrogen and testosterone levels in peri- and postmenopausal women to alleviate their symptoms and improve general wellbeing and sexual function ( for example libido , dyspareunia , satisfaction ) .
Treatment with DHEA is controversial as there is uncertainty about its effectiveness and safety .
This review should clearly outline the evidence for DHEA in the treatment of menopausal symptoms and evaluate its effectiveness and safety by combining the results of r and omised controlled trials .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of administering DHEA to women with menopausal symptoms in the peri- or postmenopausal phase .