Evidence supporting the use of: DHEA
For the health condition: Addison's Disease

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Synopsis

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

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is sometimes used as an adjunctive treatment in Addison's disease (primary adrenal insufficiency), primarily in women. Addison's disease leads to adrenal cortex failure, resulting in deficiencies of glucocorticoids, mineralocorticoids, and adrenal androgens (notably DHEA). While conventional treatment involves glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement, these do not replace adrenal androgens. Women with Addison's disease may experience symptoms related to androgen deficiency, such as reduced libido, decreased well-being, and diminished quality of life.

Several randomized controlled trials have investigated DHEA supplementation in women with Addison's disease. A 1999 study (Arlt et al., NEJM) demonstrated that DHEA replacement (50 mg daily) improved self-reported well-being, mood, and sexual function in women, though the effect size was modest. Other studies have shown small improvements in quality of life, depression scores, and libido, but not all trials have found significant benefits. The Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline (2016) states that DHEA replacement may be considered in women with persistent impaired well-being despite optimal conventional therapy, but it is not routinely recommended for all patients.

Overall, there is some scientific evidence supporting DHEA use in select women with Addison's disease, but the strength of evidence is moderate at best, with inconsistent results and limited long-term safety data. DHEA is not considered a primary treatment but may be useful in specific cases.

More about DHEA
More about Addison's Disease

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