DHEA Cream Benefits, Side Effects & Comparison to Oral Pills

DHEA creams are used to promote hormone balance, support sexual health and for anti-aging benefits.

Topical use of DHEA has been shown effective for increasing levels of this prohormone in the body. According to some manufacturers, it gets absorbed into the bloodstream more effectively when applied to the skin compared to use of oral supplements.

Dehydroepiandrosterone, more commonly known as DHEA, is a hormone that the adrenal glands secrete. This hormone is required in order for the body to make male and female sex hormones, which are involved in the regulation of a number of bodily functions.

DHEA levels begin to decrease in adults during their 30’s, according to the Mayo Clinic. [1] Those who want to increase levels to slow the signs of aging, increase energy levels or support weight loss can use it topically in the form of DHEA cream.

Consumers who want to find the best DHEA cream should know what to look for in these products and be aware of the potential benefits and risks associated with their use. It is also important to understand how the effects of topical use of DHEA compare to oral use of this hormone.

DHEA

Hormone Supplement

Energy

Hormone Balance

Sexual Health

How It Works:

• Supports healthy hormone balance
• Improves energy levels & sex drive
• Anti-aging & ergogenic effects

Dosage:

Between 25 - 50 mg per day

Safety:

Rated Possibly Safe

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Uses and Benefits of Topical DHEA

Topical bioidentical DHEA products are used for a variety of purposes in both men and women.

They have been used for increasing metabolism and burning fat for weight loss, promoting improved mood, reducing stress levels and supporting healthy sleep.

Other uses include reversing or slowing the effects of aging on the skin and the brain, increasing energy levels and improving immune function.

Research has shown that DHEA cream might be effective at slowing the effects of aging on the skin, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and potentially reducing signs of sun damage.

A 2010 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology showed that topical DHEA applied to the thighs, face, hands, upper chest and arms in postmenopausal women was associated with increased procollagen and androgen receptor expression, which help support the production of new and healthy skin cells and tissue. [2]

Some DHEA creams claim that topical use of this hormone has a better absorption rate than oral use due to being absorbed and processed more quickly in the skin rather than metabolized in the liver and gastrointestinal tract.

However, more research is needed to determine the accuracy of these claims. A 2007 study published in the Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology showed that there were no significant differences in the metabolism of DHEA when used orally or topically. [3]

How to Use DHEA Cream

DHEA creams are available for consumers to purchase at Amazon.com, Vitamin Shoppe, GNC and other online retailers. Consumers can also find these products at local shops that sell supplements and skin care products.

Some of the brands that make DHEA cream include Nubeau Nutraceuticals, Life-Flo, Natural Radiance and Twist 25. Some creams are marketed for specifically women while others are marketed for men.

Some DHEA creams only have dehydroepiandrosterone, but others include additional ingredients that are also associated with slowing the effects of aging, such as vitamin E and Coenzyme Q10.

Some products contain ingredients that promote improved well-being overall, such as Ginseng and saw palmetto.

Consumers should be aware that many DHEA products are made from chemicals or plant sterols derived from wild yam extract, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [4]

Since the human body cannot make DHEA from these chemicals, consumers should choose products with dehydroepiandrosterone listed in the ingredients rather than wild yam extract.

According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 0.1 to 2 percent topical DHEA has been used one to two times per day on the upper chest, hands, face and thighs for as long as 4 months. [5]

Consumers who plan on using these creams should ask their doctor about safe amounts to use and avoid using more than the directions on the product indicate.

Many consumers who used DHEA creams indicated that these products help increase energy levels, stamina and sex drive. However, some consumers indicated that these products were not effective.

Side Effects of DHEA Cream

DHEA is generally well-tolerated when used for short periods of time in clinical trials, according to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. [5] However, many of these trials involve the use of oral supplements as opposed to administration via skin creams.

Topical use of DHEA is rated Possibly Safe when used for up to a year by postmenopausal women, according to the Mayo Clinic. [1]

The hormonal effects associated with DHEA might increase the risk of developing certain side effects in women and men, such as acne, itchy skin and insomnia. Women might experience symptoms associated with higher testosterone levels, such as oily skin, a deeper voice, enlarged genitalia and irregular menstrual cycles.

Men who use DHEA creams might experience symptoms related to having too much testosterone, such as breast enlargement or tenderness, aggression or male pattern baldness.

There is not enough evidence on the safety of these creams during pregnancy or lactation. Women who are pregnant or lactating should not use creams or other DHEA products without talking to a doctor.

Those who have certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, or take certain types of medications, such as corticosteroids, should not use DHEA creams without consulting a doctor.

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