DHEA & Joint Pain

Supplements of synthetic dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA have produced relief in joint pain in some sufferers. The body's adrenal glands secrete DHEA, a steroid that helps the body produce other hormones. The supplements boost the lower DHEA levels of older people.

Features

DHEA has been called the mother of hormones in the body. It is a naturally secreted steroid that the body uses in many ways, including the manufacture of male and female hormones, testosterone, estrogen and progesterone as well as corticosterone.

Theories/Speculation

The body produces lower levels of DHEA each year. By age 65, a person's DHEA levels usually have decreased to 10 to 20 percent of what they were at age 20. The DHEA supplement is thought to help many age-related conditions including joint pain due to inflammation.

Effects

A Stanford University Hospital study of women with lupus, found that of the 17 women with joint pain, five found relief and better mobility by taking 50 milligrams of DHEA per day.

Considerations

Positive claims about DHEA, including relief of joint pain, have not been scientifically proven.

Warning

Severe side effects have been reported from taking DHEA, particularly in larger doses and for prolonged periods. These side effects include heart palpitations, insomnia, mood swings, irregular menstrual periods, thinning hair and acne. They have usually resulted from DHEA doses of 25 milligrams a day or more. Some physicians recommend doses no higher than 5 to10 milligrams even if that means dividing capsules.

References

• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone), WorldHealthNet
• DHEA Supplement benefits and side effects by Ray Sahelian, M.D.