This may be due to the fact that the normal adrenal gland makes DHEA, a hormone not usually supplied in standard treatment. Although this study was small, it was published in a major journal and will likely influence medical practice. DHEA is also sometimes suggested for depression , on the basis of one small double-blind study. Another intriguing double-blind study suggests that DHEA might be helpful for men who find it difficult to achieve an erection, when blood tests show they are low in this hormone. It has also been proposed for Alzheimer's disease , although as yet there is little evidence to support this use.
Larger studies are presently under way.
Adrenal Insufficiency A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine supports adding DHEA to the usual hormone regimen for adrenal failure. The results showed that DHEA improved sexual function, feelings of overall well-being, and cholesterol levels. Safety Issues DHEA appears to be safe when taken in therapeutic doses, at least in the short term. One study found no significant side effects in 50 women who took up to 200 mg daily for up to 1 year. Another study by the same researcher reported an acne-like rash as the only side effect of DHEA treatment.