Patient Information Leaflet (PIL): Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
🩺Clinical Applications
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and naturally converted into estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is sometimes referred to as a “fountain of youth” hormone due to its role in maintaining energy, resilience, and hormonal balance.
8 Helpful Benefits of DHEA (under the guidance of a qualified provider):
- Aging related Diseases
- Depression and Improved Overall Sense of Well-being
- Hormonal Imbalances (men and women) & Menstrual Irregularities & Infertility
- Sexual Drive & Libido
- Obesity
- Improved Strength and Memory
- Osteoporosis & Kidney Health
- Heart Disease & Diabetes
👨⚕️Western Therapeutic Actions
- Supports hormone production and balance in both men and women
- Improves mood, resilience, and overall sense of well-being
- Helps reduce risk factors for osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes
- Supports sexual drive and fertility
- May improve strength, memory, and energy levels
🧧TCM Therapeutic Actions
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, DHEA may be viewed as an adaptogen that nourishes Kidney Jing (essence) and strengthens adrenal reserves, helping the body restore balance, vitality, and resilience against stress and aging.
💊Oral Dosage
- Standard starting range: 15–25 mg daily, based on labs and provider guidance
- Higher doses (up to 75 mg daily) may be used in specific cases under professional supervision
- Always test baseline DHEA-S levels before supplementation
- Re-check labs 3–6 weeks after starting DHEA; blood should be drawn 4 hours after the last dose
- Avoid dosing in the evening as it may interfere with sleep
🧴Cream Dosage
- Julva (Vulva Moisturizer) – apply a pea‑size amount to the external genital area once daily.
- Product: Julva | Dr. Anna Cabeca | Vulva Moisturizer
- Benefits: vaginal dryness, bladder function, skin elasticity, libido, supplemental DHEA delivery
- Link: https://drannacabeca.com/products/julva
Dosage may be adjusted based on serum DHEA‑S levels, age, gender, and concurrent therapies.
⚠️Cautions & Contraindications
- Men should test PSA levels and undergo a prostate exam before starting DHEA
- Avoid use if you have or are at risk for hormone-dependent cancers (e.g., prostate, breast, or estrogen-related cancers) without medical clearance
- Women should monitor estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels before and during use
- Do not self-prescribe. DHEA should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider.
⚖️ Legal Disclaimer:
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. DHEA supplementation is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult a licensed physician before starting hormone therapy.
🥗Nutritional Guidance
For Men:
- Selenium: 200 mcg daily
- Saw Palmetto Extract: 160 mg twice daily
- Pygeum Extract: 50 mg twice daily
- Nettle Extract: 120 mg twice daily
- Boron: 3–10 mg daily
For Women:
- Indole-3-carbinol: 80 mg daily (or consume cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts)
- Vitamin D3: 2000–5000 IU daily
🧘Lifestyle Instructions
- Maintain a balanced, whole-food diet with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats
- Avoid high stress, excessive stimulants, and poor sleep hygiene, which deplete adrenal function
- Exercise regularly to improve hormone balance and reduce cardiovascular risk
- Recheck labs annually (DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen, PSA for men) to ensure safety and effectiveness