Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone the body produces naturally. It is also widely sold as a supplement, attracting attention for its potential effects on health. Among the various claims and questions surrounding its use, the impact of DHEA on blood pressure is a topic of considerable scientific discussion.
The Role of DHEA in the Body
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, which sit atop the kidneys, with smaller amounts made in the gonads and the brain. It is one of the most plentiful circulating steroids in the human body. Its main function is that of a “prohormone,” meaning it serves as a raw material that the body can convert into other hormones. Specifically, DHEA is a precursor to the androgen and estrogen sex hormones, including testosterone and estradiol.
The body’s production of DHEA follows a distinct pattern throughout life. Levels begin to rise around the age of nine or ten, reaching their peak in a person’s mid-20s. Following this peak, there is a gradual and steady decline in production. By the time an individual reaches their 70s or 80s, their DHEA levels may be only 10% to 20% of what they were in young adulthood. This natural age-related decrease is a primary reason people become interested in DHEA supplementation.
The Conflicting Evidence on DHEA and Blood Pressure
The scientific community has not reached a consensus on how DHEA supplementation affects blood pressure, with studies showing varied and sometimes contradictory outcomes. A meta-analysis concluded that DHEA supplementation had a neutral effect, finding no significant change in either systolic or diastolic blood pressure. This suggests that for a general population, DHEA may not meaningfully alter blood pressure readings.
Some research has associated DHEA with a potential increase in blood pressure. This effect is often theorized to be connected to its conversion into androgenic hormones like testosterone, which can influence cardiovascular regulation. The concern is that increasing these hormones could lead to unfavorable changes in blood pressure for some individuals.
Conversely, other research points in the opposite direction, suggesting DHEA might help lower blood pressure or has no effect at all. Some research has shown that in women, DHEA supplementation was associated with a decrease in systolic blood pressure. The wide-ranging results are likely due to differences in study design, including the dosage and duration of DHEA use, as well as the specific demographics of the participants, such as their age, sex, and baseline health status.
Potential Mechanisms of Action
One of the primary mechanisms is its role as a prohormone. When the body converts DHEA into testosterone, it could potentially lead to an increase in blood pressure in certain individuals, as androgens can affect the cardiovascular system. In contrast, its conversion into estrogen might have a different, or even opposing, effect, as estrogens can influence vascular tone and fluid balance.
Beyond its conversion to sex hormones, DHEA may also exert a direct influence on the blood vessels themselves. Research indicates that DHEA can stimulate the production of nitric oxide in the endothelial cells that line blood vessels. Nitric oxide is a potent vasodilator that helps to relax and widen blood vessels, which can lead to a decrease in blood pressure. This action is believed to occur through a specific signaling pathway involving a receptor on the cell surface, independent of its conversion to estrogen or testosterone.
This dual potential helps explain the conflicting data from clinical studies. The ultimate effect of DHEA on an individual’s blood pressure may depend on which of these mechanisms predominates. Factors such as a person’s unique hormonal balance, metabolism, and cardiovascular health could determine whether the net result is an increase, decrease, or no change in blood pressure.
Risk Factors and Medical Consultation
Certain individuals should be particularly cautious with DHEA. People with pre-existing hypertension or heart disease face greater potential risks, as any substance that alters hormone levels or vascular function could complicate their condition. Likewise, those with hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or prostate cancer, are advised to avoid DHEA because it can increase levels of estrogen and testosterone, which might stimulate cancer growth.
DHEA is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States and is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the same rigor as prescription drugs. This means the purity, quality, and dosage of over-the-counter products can vary significantly between brands, and what is stated on the label may not be what is in the bottle. This lack of regulation adds a layer of unpredictability to its use.
Consulting with a healthcare provider before starting DHEA is an important step. A doctor can evaluate an individual’s overall health, review their medical history, and help weigh the potential benefits against the risks. If supplementation proceeds, a healthcare professional can recommend appropriate monitoring, which may include checking hormone levels and blood pressure to ensure safety.