Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in aging humans

Because so much medical and media attention has been drawn to the alleged b enefits of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS), it is important to evaluate the effects of replacement therapy objectively usi ng double blind, cross-over, randomized research methodology. In this g-mon th study, healthy older men (n = 39) received replacement dose DHEA. Lean b ody mass, blood hematology, chemistry and endocrine values, as well as urol ogical and psychological data were measured. Data showed some mild and temp orary, but significant, changes during oral use of 100 mg DHEA for 3 months compared with placebo taken for 3 months. Body composition did not change during the 6 months of treatment, nor did any urological parameters. Concom itant with the endocrine changes, some small but, significant, variations i n blood values (blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, uric acid, alanine transam inase, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and potassium) were found. Af ter cessation of DHEA and placebo, followed by 3 months of no treatment, al l values previously found to be altered returned to entry baseline. Well pu blicized effects of the drug reported by others, such as a sense of well-be ing or improved sexual function, were not found in this study.