Thus, it has no axes to grind about drugs it does not recommend. It is non-biased but conservative. It did, in fact, mention some of the studies the second letter writer quotes. Nonetheless, the Medical Letter's writer concluded that DHEA could cause potentially dangerous side effects. Now let's put the topic of side effects into perspective.
All drugs have side effects.
The side effects may not show up in small studies involving 20 to 50 people. They may not show up in people taking a drug for only a relatively short period of time, say, six months. Also, keep in mind the difference between taking a drug when you are 35 and when you are 75. An older woman might be willing to cope with some hair growth and a lower voice to feel rejuvenated. The other side of the coin, of course, is effectiveness.