DHEA May Boost Sex Life in Postmenopausal Women

December 20, 2011

A small new study has shown that the adrenal gland hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may be able to help a woman’s menopausal symptoms, as well as giving her a better sex life.

For 12 months, Italian researchers followed 48 women, aged 50 to 60 years, who had troubling menopausal symptoms. The women were split into four groups. One group received low dose oral DHEA, (10mg/day). Another received combination therapy (estradiol 1mg/day, and DHEA 5 mg/day). The third group was given the synthetic steroid tibolone. The last group did not receive any hormone therapy but was given calcium carbonate (1250mg/day) and vitamin D (400 IU/day) to help prevent osteoporosis.

All of the women receiving the hormone replacements showed improvements in menopausal symptoms. The most significant improvement was seen in the women taking DHEA; either alone or with estradiol. These two groups of women also reported greater sexual interest, satisfaction with frequent sexual activity, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, and their sexual partner. The research team noted that the beneficial effects of DHEA on sexual function might be due to increased levels estrogens, androgens, and progesterone in symptomatic postmenopausal women. Not surprisingly, estradiol levels rose more quickly with estradiol and tibolone than with DHEA alone. But the sexual satisfaction scores were not as high as seen with DHEA therapy alone.

There was no significant improvement in symptoms or increase sexual in satisfaction among the women taking calcium and vitamin D.

DHEA is a low-potency sex steroid that is widely available over the counter. It is often billed as a natural anti-aging supplement. Clinically, the role of DHEA supplements in women’s health remains uncertain, the authors of this study indicated. More studies of DHEA might establish “the spectrum of symptoms” that might be improved with DHEA therapy. If you consider supplementing with DHEA, discuss it with your health care practitioner to determine if you are a good candidate for using DHEA to relieve menopausal symptoms and enhance your sex life.

Sources:

Genazzani, A; et al; “Effect of 1-year, Low-Dose DHEA Therapy on climacteric Symptoms and Female Sexuality” Climacteric 2011;14:661-668.

“Hormone DHEA Shows Promise in Helping Woman Through Menopause and Towards a Better Sex Life.” International Menopause Society – Press Release

Gever, John; “DHEA May Boost Older Women’s Sex Lives” Medpage Today December 20, 2011.