11. SIDE EFFECTS:
HORMONAL SIDE EFFECTS of DHEA can be significant. Examples of hormonal side
effects include acne, greasy skin, hirsutism (excess body hair), facial hair, hair loss,
increased sweating, weight gain around the waist, or a deeper voice in women. Men
may develop more prominent breasts, breast tenderness, increased blood pressure,
testicular wasting, or increased aggressiveness. Increases in blood sugar levels, insulin
resistance, altered cholesterol levels, altered thyroid hormone levels, and altered
adrenal function are additional hormonal side effects.
According to Brown et al., additional side effects include significant elevations in
testosterone levels with potential effects on the prostate, elevation of estrogen with
increased risk of uterine or breast cancer, vaginal bleeding, endometrial hyperplasia, or
venous thrombosis, plus insomnia, irritability, “slight” increases in estrogen, and
potential interactions with steroids. Cancer is a contraindication.
In theory, DHEA may increase the risk of developing prostate, breast, ovarian, uterine,
or cervical cancer and malignant melanoma or other hormonally-affected cancers.
DHEA may contribute to tamoxifen resistance in the treatment of breast cancer. Other
side effects may include insomnia, agitation, delusions, mania, nervousness, irritability,
or psychosis. The Natural Standard does not quantify the risk of these additional
hormonal side effects, but all of these side effects should be qualified by statements
from all sources that DHEA is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth in
prescribed dosages.
Brown et al. add, significantly: “In contrast, 7-keto DHEA does not convert to
testosterone, estrogen, or progesterone and is not associated with these side
effects."^10 According to WebMD, “ 7 - keto-DHEA is a by-product of DHEA. But unlike
DHEA, 7-keto-DHEA is not converted to steroid hormones such as androgen
and estrogen. Taking 7-keto-DHEA by mouth or applying it to the skin does not increase
the level of steroid hormones in the blood.”^11 Thus, 7-keto DHEA deserves study to
