(273) Influences of Oral Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Administration on Hormonal Profile, Menopausal Clinical Symptoms and Sexual Function in Early Postmenopausal Symptomatic Women

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate (DHEAs) are steroid hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. The aging process is associated with decreased levels of DHEA and DHEAs, which are the initial causes of many age-related changes. Objective We aimed to evaluate the effects of oral administration of DHEA (50mg/day) on hormonal profile, menopausal clinical symptoms and sexual function in early postmenopausal symptomatic Caucasian women at baseline and after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment. Methods For our prospective clinical trial, 42 symptomatic early postmenopausal women (50–55±3.5 years) were selected. Participants were divided into two groups. The study group (n-22) received oral DHEA 50mg/day for 6 months and the control group (n-20) received placebo. Serum levels of DHEA, DHEAs, androstenedione (A4), allopregnanolone (3α,5α- THP), progesterone (P4), 17OH progesterone (17OHP), cortisol, testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), SHBG, LH, FSH and β-Endorphin were determined at baseline and after 2, 4 and 6 months of treatment. The results of the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS) and the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) were evaluated before and after the treatment. Results During the treatment period in the study group, a progressive increase in serum levels of DHEA, DHEAs, A4, T, DHT, E2, E1, 3α,5α-THP and β-Endorphin were observed. P4 and 17OHP levels showed only a slight increase. By the 4th month of treatment and final data, a decrease in cortisol levels was observed. LH and FSH levels gradually decreased. SHBG levels remained constant. After 6 months of treatment, assessing the results of the MRS in the DHEA group showed a progressive improvement of menopausal symptoms. The results of the McCoy questionnaire were also improved in the study group. Conclusions DHEA administration had a significant effect on certain endocrine parameters in early postmenopausal symptomatic Caucasian women, was associated with improvements of menopausal physical symptoms, sexual function and psycho-emotional parameters. Our findings support the hypothesis that administration of DHEA in symptomatic postmenopausal women restores both androgenic and estrogenic milieu and reduces most of the clinical symptoms caused by the changes of these environments during postmenopausal period. On this basis we can assume, that DHEA may be considered as a potentially effective medication for MHT. However, conducting further, more specific clinical trials are needed. Disclosure No.