DHEA Supplementation for Female Sexual Dysfunction

Effectiveness of DHEA

DHEA can be offered as a treatment option for female patients with persistent lack of libido and/or low energy levels, typically at doses of 10-50 mg daily, according to the Journal of Internal Medicine 1, 2
DHEA supplementation has shown significant improvements in sexual desire, arousal, pain, and overall sexual function in clinical trials involving female cancer survivors, as reported by the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3

The typical dose range is 10-50 mg daily, with 25 mg being a common starting dose, as recommended by the Journal of Internal Medicine 1, 2
Treatment efficacy should be guided by monitoring serum DHEA sulphate (DHEAS), androstenedione, and testosterone levels, according to the Journal of Internal Medicine 1

Long-term effects of DHEA replacement therapy in patients are not fully known, so such regimens should be used with caution, as noted by the Journal of Internal Medicine 1, 2
DHEA should be used with caution in survivors receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy, as vaginal DHEA increases levels of circulating androgens, as reported by the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3

Flibanserin is FDA-approved for acquired, generalized hypoactive sexual desire disorder in premenopausal women, according to the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3, 4
Pelvic physical therapy (pelvic floor muscle training) may improve sexual pain, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and satisfaction, as reported by the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 3
Vaginal moisturizers and lubricants can help alleviate symptoms such as vaginal dryness and sexual pain, according to the Journal of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network 5

DHEA supplementation is most appropriate for female patients with primary adrenal insufficiency who exhibit persistent lack of libido and/or low energy levels despite optimized glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement 6
DHEA can be offered as a 6-month trial therapy, which should be continued only if clinically effective in improving symptoms 6

The typical starting dose is 25 mg as a single daily morning dose, with a potential range of 10-50 mg based on clinical response 6
Dose adjustments should be guided by monitoring serum hormone levels, which should be maintained in the normal range 6
Morning measurements of these hormones prior to DHEA ingestion provide the most accurate assessment for dose adjustment 6

Baseline hormone levels should be established before initiating therapy 6
Follow-up hormone measurements should be taken in the morning before DHEA ingestion 6
Clinical effectiveness should be assessed after 6 months to determine whether to continue therapy 6

For female patients with sexual dysfunction, DHEA has shown significant improvements in sexual desire, arousal, pain, and overall sexual function 7
DHEA should not be prescribed to men who are currently trying to conceive, as it can suppress normal sperm production 8

Long-term effects of DHEA replacement therapy are not fully known, so treatment should be used with caution 6

In women, improvements in libido, energy levels, and overall quality of life may be observed 6