The hormone DHEA, taken in low doses, has been shown to work as well as hormone replacement therapy, commonly abbreviated as HRT, in order to relieve the symptoms associated with menopause and improving the sex life of those who suffer from low libido. The study, carried out at the University of Pisa, is published in Climacteric. Larger studies will decide whether or not DHEA is a proven alternative but this pilot study has achieved important ground work in the future of HRT alternatives.
DHEA is widely available and most commonly used as a synthetic nutritional supplement. The natural hormone is made in the adrenal glands, liver and testes and affects the production of the sex hormones in men and women. The difference between this hormone and HRT is down to the fact that DHEA increases the amount of androgenic hormones (effecting male characteristics) and HRT increases oestrogens.
48 women took part in a recent study and showed that DHEA could help menopausal women with their symptoms. According to the study’s authors, the synthetic hormone will be especially beneficial for women who have not found success or have experienced complications with HRT. Women who had requested HRT to relieve their symptoms were put on an alternative treatment. One group were given DHEA, a second group were given combination hormone therapy, and the third group received tibolone (a synthetic version of HRT) and a fourth group received vitamin D and calcium. Ease of symptoms was noted across the board other than for those who took vitamin D and calcium.
Although no women reported low libido at the study’s outset, one year on, the women who received DHEA and HRT reported an improvement in their sexual function.
Clearly this study is extremely small but it does provide proof of concept, paving the way for larger studies to take place.