DHEA Side Effects

Generic name: dehydroepiandrosterone

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 16, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about DHEA Side Effects associated with dehydroepiandrosterone. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name DHEA.

Applies to dehydroepiandrosterone: vaginal suppository.

Common side effects of DHEA

Some side effects of dehydroepiandrosterone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common or rare side effects

• white or brownish vaginal discharge

Serious side effects of DHEA

Along with its needed effects, dehydroepiandrosterone (the active ingredient contained in DHEA) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dehydroepiandrosterone: compounding powder, oral capsule, oral tablet, vaginal insert.

General adverse events

The most common reported adverse effect during treatment with prasterone (vaginal insert) was vaginal discharge, which is attributed to the expected increase in vaginal secretions associated with this treatment and to the melting of the drug delivery vehicle of the pessary (i.e., hard fat).^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hypertension
• Frequency not reported: Pulmonary embolism

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported (observed with other combined or estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy [HRT]): Chloasma, erythema multiforme, erythema nodosum, vascular purpura.

Endocrine

• Frequency not reported (observed with other combined or estrogen-only HRT): Increased plasma binding proteins (e.g., thyroid-, corticoid-, and sex hormone-binding globulins)

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Vaginal discharge (up to 14.2%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Abnormal pap smear, including cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and atypical cells of undetermined significance.
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cervical and uterine polyps

Hepatic

• Frequency not reported (observed with other combined or estrogen-only HRT): Gallbladder disease

Metabolic

• Frequency not reported (observed with other combined or estrogen-only HRT): Increased triglycerides leading to pancreatitis

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported (observed with other combined or estrogen-only HRT): Probable dementia over the age of 65 years

Oncologic

• Rare (0.01% to 0.1%): Ovarian cancer, breast cancer

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Weight fluctuation
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Benign breast mass

Further information

DHEA side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer