1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Arthritis

DHEA / Dehydroepiandrosterone - Uses - Health Benefits - Side Effects

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a dietary supplement. DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Information on the uses, health benefits, and side effects of dehydroepiandrosterone. For some, DHEA has been favorable for improving fatigue and other symptoms of lupus. These same benefits with DHEA have not been achieved for rheumatoid arthritis.
What Is DHEA? (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
A brief explanation and fast facts about DHEA dehydroepiandrosterone). DHEA has been helpful in reducing fatigue, improving thinking difficulties, and improving quality of life in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus.
Profile: Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a C19 steroid also known as 5-androsten-3 beta-ol-17-one. Endogenous DHEA is a complex hormone, and researchers still have much to discover in regards to its physiologic effects in males and females. Less is known regarding the mechanisms of action of exogenously administered DHEA.
Patient Education: Prasterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA
Patient education for prasterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA oral dosage forms. Prasterone (Prestara), is also known as DHEA. DHEA products are similar to a hormone produced naturally in the body. Prestara will only be available with a prescription and is used to treat systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or 'lupus'). DHEA is also available as a nutritional supplement.
04/22/2001: Arthritis Advisory Committee Split On Aslera / Prestara
04/22/2001, FDA Arthritis Advisory Committee not overwhelmingly in favor of new lupus drug that was later named Prestara.
DHEA: Is It Right For You?
Fantastic claims have been touted for DHEA--you may have heard that it can increase energy levels, help you lose weight, slow down aging, boost the immune system, reduce cancer/heart disease risk, improve memory, and a host of other symptoms. However scientists still do not understand exactly how DHEA works, what its purpose is in the body, and whether DHEA is safe and effective.
DHEA: Ignore The Hype By P.J. Skerret
The FDA isn't sure what to do with DHEA supplements. Ten years ago the agency told companies to stop selling DHEA, which was marketed at the time for weight loss, and classified it as an unapproved new drug, obtainable only by prescription. Then in 1994, DHEA was reclassified as a dietary supplement, allowing sales over the counter, from Quackwatch.
Profile: DHEA / Dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA and DHEAS are being developed by companies as possible pharmaceuticals. DHEA is being developed as a treatment for systemic lupus erythematosus. DHEA is known as dehydroepiandrosterone and prasterone. DHEAS is known as dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, dehydroepiandrosterone-3-sulfate and prasterone sulfate, from PDRHealth.
Profile: DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Supplement profile and essential information on DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), from UMM.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an old drug with potentially important antilupus properties. A natural body substance made by the adrenal gland, DHEA has been available for more than 50 years and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration, from European Lupus Erythematosus Federation .

Explore Arthritis

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Arthritis
  4. Natural Remedies
  5. A - Z: Dietary Supplements
  6. Supplement: DHEA

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.