REPLACEMENT DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE IN THE ELDERLY - RATIONALE AND PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE

Age related declines in dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepian drosterone sulfate have been postulated to aggravate some diseases of aging. As a result, DHEA supplementation of ten is touted as the ''fou ntain of youth,'' and it is being used widely in an unregulated fashio n with out evidence of efficacy or safety. This review addresses DHEA replacement, discussing issues of bioavailability and possible benefic ial effects. Safety concerns also are addressed. At present, we believ e that DHEA replacement is not suitable for widespread clinical use; h owever, the potential for future hormonal therapy of aging using this compound is such that fur ther investigation certainly is warranted.