Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to both androgens and estrogens. Research interest in DHEA for osteoporosis stems from its natural decline with age and its potential anabolic effects on bone. Several clinical studies have investigated DHEA supplementation in postmenopausal women and older men, populations at higher risk of osteoporosis. Results have shown that DHEA can modestly increase bone mineral density (BMD), particularly in women. For example, a 2009 randomized controlled trial published in The New England Journal of Medicine found that daily DHEA supplementation led to small but significant increases in BMD in the femoral neck and spine of older women after one year, but not in men. The proposed mechanism involves conversion of DHEA to estrogen and testosterone, hormones known to help maintain bone mass.

However, the overall effect size is modest, and not all studies show benefit. In addition, the long-term safety and efficacy of DHEA supplementation remain unclear, and there are concerns about hormonal side effects. Most guidelines do not currently recommend DHEA as a standard therapy for osteoporosis, emphasizing proven treatments like bisphosphonates, denosumab, or hormone replacement therapy in certain populations. Thus, while there is some scientific evidence supporting DHEA’s use for osteoporosis, it is limited and not considered robust, meriting an evidence rating of 2 out of 5.

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