Dehydroepiandrosterone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 21, 2022.

What are other common names?

• Androstenolone
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
• DHEA
• DHEA-S
• GL701
• Prasterone

What is this product used for?

Dehydroepiandrosterone is a hormone and is also called DHEA. It is used by some people to help with low mood. DHEA applied inside the vagina may help to decrease pain during sex as you get older.

What are the precautions when taking this product?

• Always check with your doctor before you use a natural product. Some products may not mix well with drugs or other natural products.

• This product may interfere with some lab tests. Be sure to talk with your doctor about this and all drugs you are taking.

• Do not use this product if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant soon. Use birth control you can trust while taking this product.

• Do not use this product if you are breastfeeding.

• Do not use this product if you have health problems that are sensitive to hormones. These are problems like breast cancer, prostate cancer, or endometriosis.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs that affect your hormones. These are drugs like estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, anastrozole, exemestane, fulvestrant, letrozole, or tamoxifen.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to thin your blood. These are drugs like warfarin, heparin, or enoxaparin.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to dissolve blood clots. These are drugs like alteplase, reteplase, or streptokinase.

• Take extra care if you are taking drugs to help with swelling or inflammation that can also increase your risk of bleeding. These are drugs like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.

• Take extra care if you are scheduled to receive the vaccine for tuberculosis. This product can make the vaccine less effective.

• If you have blood sugar problems, keep hard candies, glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or juice on hand for low blood sugar.

• Take extra care and check with your doctor if you have:

  • Kidney problems

  • Liver problems

  • Problems with your uterus or ovaries

  • High blood pressure

  • Cholesterol problems

  • Diabetes

  • Cancer, especially breast or prostate cancer

  • Low mood or other mood disorders

  • Mental health problems

  • Seizures

What should I watch for?

• Upset stomach

• Acne

• Hair growth

• Mood changes like feeling energetic, irritable, or aggressive

• Problems sleeping

• Enlarged or tender breasts in men or women

• Testes problems

• Change in menstrual cycle

• Voice gets deeper

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