DHEA Eases Menopause and Boosts Sex Drive In Women (December 23, 2011)

A new study showed that DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, taken in low doses helped sexual function and eased menopausal symptoms.

Italian researchers presented evidence from a study of 48 postmenopausal women, separated into four groups, measuring menopausal symptoms and sexual activity for a year. Twelve women took vitamin D and calcium known to prevent osteoporosis; twelve took DHEA in a low dose; twelve were administered hormone replacement therapy including estrogen and progesterone; and twelve were given tibolone, a synthetic steroid.

At the conclusion of the study the women receiving estrogen and progesterone replacement showed am lessening in menopausal effects.  The study also found that women taking DHEA had a significant increase in sexual activity and desire.  Women in the HRT group displayed a similar increase in sexual interest. The group taking vitamin D and calcium showed no significant improvement.

DHEA is converted by a woman's body into testosterone and estrogen, resulting in  DHEA being called "the mother of all hormones."  Recent research has highlighted  DHEA's anti-aging properties including slowing bone loss, improving skin health, and enhancing sex drive in aging adults, as this new study suggests.  Low levels of DHEA have also been associated with diabetes, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, obesity, breast cancer, immune system disorders, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, osteoporosis and depression. 

This groundbreaking research is the first clinical evidence that DHEA may help women deal with post menopausal adjustment and improve their sex lives.  More research studies of this type are needed to verify the results by determining if the findings are consistent in a larger sample.

DHEA can be measure with a convenient blood test, available from Health Testing Centers.  This test should also be accompanied with a test for estrogen and testosterone to understand your hormonal balance.  If a blood test shows low levels of DHEA you can purchase DHE supplements from any reputable vitamin provider.  DHEA also has potential to contribute to the hormonal health of men through its conversion by the body into testosterone.  Additional testosterone has numerous anti-aging properties for men including improved energy / libido / outlook on life, an enhanced sense of well-being, increase in muscle and bone mass, increase in red blood cells which helps with controlling type 2 diabetes and helps with weight loss.