Menopause can be a troublesome time for many women, but this week, a study showed that a hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may offer relief.
DHEA is naturally secreted by the adrenal glands. A study, conducted by researchers at the University of Pisa in Italy, found that small doses of DHEA may help ease menopausal symptoms while also helping increase a women’s interest in sex. The results of the study were published in the December issue of Climacteric.
In the study, 48 postmenopausal women were divided into four groups: 12 that took vitamin D and calcium (to ward off osteoporosis), 12 took HRT (the hormone replacement therapy often used that includes both estrogen and progesterone), 12 took a low dose of DHEA, and 12 that took tibolone (a synthetic steroid that is tissue specific).
The researchers then monitored both the women’s menopausal symptoms and sexual interest over the next 12 months. The women taking vitamin D and calcium showed no real improvement over menopausal symptoms, but those taking the hormonal therapies did.
The 12 women that were taking the low dose of DHEA and the 12 taking HRT showed a significant increase in sex while those taking tibolone showed an increase, but not one that was statistically significant.
Study leader Professor Andrea Genazzani stated that because this is the first time DHEA has been shown to help menopausal symptoms, but because this was a small study, larger clinical trials need to be done to prove the benefits.
Co-editor Dr. Anna Fenton said, “This is an interesting result, although we must bear in mind that this is a pilot study with a small sample. Nevertheless, it does indicate that DHEA has potential as a therapy to help women deal with the physical discomfort of the menopause, as well as helping them sexually.”
No one can say yet as to whether DHEA could prove to be a practicable alternative to HRT, but the study certainly shows that more research is needed.