The safety of 52 weeks of oral DHEA therapy for postmenopausal women

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety of 52 weeks of DHEA 50 mg daily oral dose given to postmenopausal women with low libido to improve sexual function.Method93 postmenopausal women were enrolled in a 52-week randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and received either DHEA 50 mg or placebo (PL) daily. The effects of DHEA versus placebo on lipid profile, insulin–glucose homeostasis and the endomentrium were assessed over 52 weeks.ResultsOral DHEA, 50 mg/day, was not associated with any effects on blood lipids or insulin resistance. The pattern of breakthrough bleeding did not substantially differ between the DHEA and PL groups and no significant adverse endometrial effects were apparent.ConclusionsThe use of 50 mg oral DHEA did not significantly alter lipid profile, insulin sensitivity or adversely affect the endometrium in postmenopausal women.