Meta Information
ID:dhea
Name:
Schema Version:2.4_uniform_evidence_2026_06_18
Created
2026-05-21T22:30:00Z
Model
phase-a-upgrade-claude-sonnet-4.6
Interactions
Target id:
/condition/hormone-sensitive-cancer
Target name:
Hormone-Sensitive Cancers (Breast, Prostate, Ovarian)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA can be converted into estrogens and androgens, which may stimulate the growth of hormone-dependent cancers.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely with a history of, or high risk for, hormone-sensitive cancers.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DESIGN: Examination of in vitro breast cancer cell growth in the presence of fulvestrant and DHEA-S.
Label source:
PubMed: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate causes proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells despite treatment with fulvestrant. (PMID 12912747)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pregnancy
Target name:
Pregnancy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA supplementation can alter maternal and fetal hormone levels, potentially causing harm to the developing fetus.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely during pregnancy.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
It can cause higher than normal levels of a male hormone called androgen. This might be harmful to the baby.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/lactation
Target name:
Breastfeeding (Lactation)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA can pass into breast milk and may adversely affect an infant's hormone levels.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely while breastfeeding.
Validation status:
anecdotal
Evidence tier:
tier_d
Evidence basis:
anecdotal_summary
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
It can cause higher than normal levels of a male hormone called androgen.
Label source:
Anecdotal: WebMD
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/bipolar-disorder
Target name:
Bipolar Disorder or History of Mania
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA supplementation has been reported to trigger manic episodes, psychosis, or mood instability in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely with bipolar disorder or a history of mania.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Although uncertain, potential risk factors include high doses of DHEA; history of mood disorder; concurrent use of alcohol, street drugs, or antidepressants; and cytochrome P450 polymorphisms.
Label source:
PubMed: Prasterone (DHEA) and mania. (PMID 11144700)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/condition/pcos
Target name:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Women with PCOS often have naturally high levels of androgens, including DHEA-S. Supplementation can exacerbate symptoms like acne, hirsutism, and insulin resistance.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely with PCOS, unless specifically directed by an endocrinologist.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Approximately 20-30% of PCOS women demonstrate excess adrenal precursor androgen (APA) production, primarily using DHEAS as a marker of APA in general and more specifically DHEA, synthesis.
Label source:
PubMed: The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology (2015)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Androgen excess (AE) is a key feature of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and results in, or contributes to, the clinical phenotype of these patients. Although AE will contribute to the ovulatory and menstrual dysfunction of these patients, the most recognizable sign of AE includes hirsutism, acne, and androgenic alopecia or female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Label source:
PubMed: Best practice & research. Clinical obstetrics & gynaecology (2016)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The hyperandrogenism in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with the risk for the future development of the cardiovascular disease.
Label source:
PubMed: Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme (2021)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/estrogens
Target name:
Estrogen Therapy (HRT)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA can be converted to estrogen; concurrent use can lead to excessively high estrogen levels and increase the risk of side effects.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should not be used with estrogen therapy unless specifically directed and monitored by a physician.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
A large proportion of androgens in men (40%), and the majority of estrogens in women (75% before menopause and close to 100% after menopause), are synthesized in peripheral target tissues from precursor steroids of adrenal origin.
Label source:
PubMed: Molecular and cellular endocrinology (1991)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA is converted by 3βHSD1 and subsequently is converted by steroid-5α-reductase to potent androgens or by aromatase to estrogens.
Label source:
PubMed: Methods in enzymology (2023)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
3β-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (3βHSD1, encoded by HSD3B1) catalyzes the rate-limiting conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to androstenedione (AD), the major substrate for aromatase and a key precursor for estrogen biosynthesis.
Label source:
PubMed: The Journal of biological chemistry (2025)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/testosterone
Target name:
Testosterone Therapy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA is a precursor to testosterone; concurrent use can lead to excessively high androgen levels and increase the risk of side effects.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should not be used with testosterone therapy unless specifically directed and monitored by a physician.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The administration of 200 mg of DHEA induced an increase of both steroids to supraphysiological plasma levels.
Label source:
PubMed: Panhypopituitarism as a model to study the metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in humans. (PMID 9253337)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/serms
Target name:
Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs)
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA can be converted into estrogens, potentially counteracting the therapeutic effects of medications like tamoxifen or raloxifene, which are designed to block estrogen activity.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely when taking SERMs.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
HYPOTHESIS: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) causes a proliferation of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer cells, even with tamoxifen citrate blockade.
Label source:
PubMed: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate causes proliferation of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer cells despite treatment with fulvestrant. (PMID 12912747)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/class/aromatase-inhibitors
Target name:
Aromatase Inhibitors
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
diminishing
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA provides the raw material for estrogen production, which directly undermines the mechanism of aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole) designed to block this process.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be avoided completely when taking aromatase inhibitors.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Stage IV hormone-sensitive breast cancer is often treated with aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole, exemestane), which block the conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to estrone and estradiol.
Label source:
PubMed: Surgery (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In vitro, T-47D cells stimulated with DHEA-S after anastrozole showed 35% increased growth. Addition of 0.01 nM tamoxifen demonstrated -7% inhibition. Increasing the DHEA-S/tamoxifen ratio reversed suppression to +25%.
Label source:
PubMed: American journal of surgery (2003)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
This stimulatory effect of DHEA and hCG was blocked by a pure antiestrogen ICI182,780 and an aromatase inhibitor, arimidex.
Label source:
PubMed: Oncology (2000)
Action type:
avoid
Target id:
/intervention/insulin
Target name:
Insulin Therapy
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA may enhance insulin sensitivity, significantly increasing the risk of severe hypoglycemia when used with injectable insulin.
Actionable advice:
DHEA should be used only under strict medical supervision, with frequent blood glucose monitoring and potential insulin dose adjustments.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Accordingly, we examined the effect of DHEA supplementation (25 mg/d) on endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, and fibrinolytic activity in 24 men with hypercholesterolemia (mean age, 54 +/- 1 yr).
Label source:
PubMed: Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in men. (PMID 12843164)
Action type:
adjust_with_prescriber
Target id:
/condition/hepatic-impairment
Target name:
Hepatic Impairment
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
The liver metabolizes DHEA; supplementation may exacerbate existing liver conditions or place undue stress on a compromised liver.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with extreme caution and under medical supervision in those with liver disease.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Administration of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to rodents produces many unique biological responses, some of which may be due to metabolism of DHEA to more biologically active products. In the current study, DHEA metabolism was studied using human and rat liver microsomal fractions.
Label source:
PubMed: Archives of biochemistry and biophysics (2001)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In animal studies, however, additions of high concentrations of DHEA to the diet have led to hepatotoxicity as well as liver mitochondrial dysfunction.
Label source:
PubMed: Toxicological sciences : an official journal of the Society of Toxicology (2006)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
It should, moreover, be mentioned that administration of DHEA in a high dosage, induced the development of hepatic carcinoma in 14 out of 16 rats.
Label source:
PubMed: Verhandelingen - Koninklijke Academie voor Geneeskunde van Belgie (1997)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antidiabetic-medications
Target name:
Diabetes Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA may improve insulin sensitivity, potentially increasing the glucose-lowering effect of diabetes medications and raising the risk of hypoglycemia.
Actionable advice:
Blood glucose is best monitored closely when starting DHEA, and it is important to consult a doctor about potential medication adjustments.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Accordingly, we examined the effect of DHEA supplementation (25 mg/d) on endothelial function, insulin sensitivity, and fibrinolytic activity in 24 men with hypercholesterolemia (mean age, 54 +/- 1 yr).
Label source:
PubMed: Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in men. (PMID 12843164)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/class/anticoagulants-antiplatelets
Target name:
Anticoagulants and Antiplatelets
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA may have a mild antiplatelet effect, which could additively increase the risk of bleeding when combined with blood-thinning medications.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution, and it is important to talk to a doctor when taking blood thinners like warfarin, clopidogrel, or aspirin.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
When DHEAS was added to pooled platelet-rich plasma before the addition of the agonist arachidonate, either the rate of platelet aggregation was slowed or aggregation was completely inhibited. Inhibition of platelet aggregation by DHEA was both dose- and time-dependent.
Label source:
PubMed: Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences (1995)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA 1) prevented platelet aggregation by 40% compared to control, 2) increased NO production by 63%, 3) increased p-eNOS (phosphorylated endothelial nitric oxide synthase) levels, and 4) increased cGMP production.
Label source:
PubMed: Hormone and metabolic research = Hormon- und Stoffwechselforschung = Hormones et metabolisme (2012)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Here, DHEA-S, but not DHEA, inhibited in vitro thrombin-dependent platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. DHEA-S exerted this effect by decreasing thrombin-dependent dense granule secretion, and so impairing the positive feed-back loop provided by ADP.
Label source:
PubMed: Steroids (2012)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/condition/seizure-disorder
Target name:
Seizure Disorder / Epilepsy
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA may alter neurotransmitter activity and has been anecdotally linked to a lower seizure threshold in susceptible individuals.
Actionable advice:
This is best used with caution and under medical supervision in those with a history of seizures.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Four weeks of subcutaneous treatment with pregnenolone sulfate and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, at a dose of 10 mg kg(-1) day(-1), significantly shifted the pentylenetetrazol dose-percent convulsions and latency curves to the left, and markedly decreased the ED50 of pentylenetetrazol for tonic convulsions, indicating the increased sensitivity of mice to seizures.
Label source:
PubMed: European journal of pharmacology (1998)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
However, the antagonistic effects of DHEAS on γ-amino-butyric acidA receptors and its facilitatory action on glutamatergic neurotransmission might lead to enhanced brain excitability and seizures and thus limit DHEAS therapeutic applications.
Label source:
PubMed: Drug design, development and therapy (2016)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
ICV administered DHEAS induced seizures in a dose-dependent way.
Label source:
PubMed: Pharmacology, biochemistry, and behavior (2000)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/class/antipsychotics
Target name:
Antipsychotic Medications
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA may alter neurotransmitter levels, potentially interfering with the mechanism of action of antipsychotic drugs or worsening underlying psychiatric symptoms.
Actionable advice:
It is important to talk to a psychiatrist before using DHEA while taking antipsychotic medication.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA yielded a stimulatory effect on striatal DA release that was not reflected in neither DA metabolism nor motor activity. Thus, DHEA resembles the effect of typical antipsychotics, increasing DA release but reducing behavioral activation
Label source:
Primary literature: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32473195/
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/dietary/high-fat-meal
Target name:
Meal Containing Fat
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
As a fat-soluble hormone, DHEA absorption from the gut is significantly improved when taken with a source of dietary fat.
Actionable advice:
DHEA is best taken at the same time as a meal that includes healthy fats like avocado, nuts, or olive oil.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA is commonly used for its anti-aging and hormonal balance benefits, but suffers from poor bioavailability due to rapid liver metabolism, limiting its systemic effects
Label source:
Primary literature: https://patents.google.com/patent/US12472188B1/en
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/biomarker/dhea-s
Target name:
DHEA-S
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA supplementation directly increases DHEA-S levels; regular monitoring is required to ensure dosing is appropriate and levels remain within a safe and effective range.
Actionable advice:
Test DHEA-S levels at baseline and every 3-6 months thereafter to guide dosing.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In men, DHEA administration caused 175%, 90%, 200% and 120% increases in the circulating levels of DHEA and its sulfate (DHEA-S), DHEA-fatty acid esters, and androst-5-ene-3 beta,17 beta-diol, respectively, with a return to basal values 7 days after cessation of the 14-day treatment.
Label source:
PubMed: Physiological changes in dehydroepiandrosterone are not reflected by serum levels of active androgens and estrogens but of their metabolites: intracrinology. (PMID 9253308)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/biomarker/comprehensive-sex-hormone-panel
Target name:
Comprehensive Sex Hormone Panel
Severity:
major
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Monitoring downstream hormones is critical to prevent supraphysiological levels and imbalances.
Actionable advice:
Regularly monitor total/free testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG to ensure they remain in optimal ranges.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
However, DHEA treatment induced a very marked increase in saliva DHEA and testosterone concentrations (p<0.001), with no change in cortisol or lactate levels.
Label source:
PubMed: Short-term Dehydroepiandrosterone Intake and Supramaximal Exercise in Young Recreationally-trained Women. (PMID 29940669)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/biomarker/prostate-specific-antigen
Target name:
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
Severity:
moderate
Interaction type:
requirement
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
Because DHEA can increase androgen levels, it is crucial for men to monitor PSA to screen for any potential changes in prostate health.
Actionable advice:
Men over 40 should monitor PSA levels at baseline and at least annually while taking DHEA.
Validation status:
validated_via_primary_literature
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
primary_literature_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
As DHEA was consumed, the androgen intermediates androstenediol and androstenedione were generated and subsequently converted to T. Conditioned media of DHEA-treated osteoblasts increased androgen receptor (AR) signaling, prostate-specific antigen (PSA) production, and cell numbers of the androgen-sensitive prostate cancer cell lines C4-2B and LNCaP.
Label source:
PubMed: Osteoblasts Generate Testosterone From DHEA and Activate Androgen Signaling in Prostate Cancer Cells. (PMID 33900658)
Action type:
monitor
Target id:
/circadian/wake
Target name:
Waking Up
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
synergistic
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
null
Hours after target:
1
Description:
Endogenous DHEA levels naturally peak in the morning; taking it upon waking mimics the body's natural circadian rhythm for this hormone.
Actionable advice:
A DHEA dose is generally best taken in the morning, ideally within an hour of waking.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In the present study, we evaluated the circadian rhythms of DHEA, cortisol, and the cortisol/DHEA molar ratio in old subjects treated with either placebo (old-PL) or a single 50-mg dose of DHEA (old-D), both administered orally at 0700 hours.
Label source:
PubMed: Metabolism: clinical and experimental (2000)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
For all other tested markers diurnal variation was observed in at least one gender (cholesterol, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, free fatty acids, low-density lipoprotein, luteinizing hormone, prolactin, progesterone, testosterone, triglycerides, total triiodothyronine and thyroid-stimulating hormone) or could not reliably be detected (human growth hormone).
Label source:
PubMed: PloS one (2015)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In young males DHEA reduced from 541.1 ± 101.3 (mean ± sd) at 8.00 h to 198.9 ± 90.7 pg/mL at 18.00 h; p<0.0001, and young females from 401.6 ± 149.5 to 215.4 ± 95.3 pg/mL; p<0.001.
Label source:
PubMed: Steroids (2016)
Action type:
informational_none
Target id:
/circadian/sleep
Target name:
Going to Sleep
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
temporal
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
6
Hours after target:
null
Description:
DHEA can have mildly stimulating or androgenic effects that may interfere with sleep onset or quality if taken too close to bedtime.
Actionable advice:
DHEA is generally best taken more than 6 hours before intended bedtime.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA effects on sleep appeared to be mediated by its conversion to androgens and oestrogens: sleep quality was enhanced by increments in testosterone and dampened by increments in estradiol levels.
Label source:
PubMed: Clinical endocrinology (2013)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA administration induced a significant (P < 0.05) increase in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, whereas all other sleep variables remained unchanged compared with the placebo condition.
Label source:
PubMed: The American journal of physiology (1995)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
Multivariable regression showed that decreased cortisol (β = -41.845, p = 0.0064) and increased DHEA-S (β = 0.001, p = 0.0405) associated with worsening PROMIS Sleep Impairment.
Label source:
PubMed: Nature and science of sleep (2025)
Action type:
separate
Target id:
/class/cyp3a4-substrates
Target name:
CYP3A4 Substrates
Severity:
minor
Interaction type:
adverse
Nature:
absolute
Temporal spacing:
Hours before target:
0
Hours after target:
0
Description:
There is a theoretical possibility that DHEA could alter the metabolism of drugs processed by the CYP3A4 enzyme, though the clinical significance of this is not well established.
Actionable advice:
This theoretical interaction is worth keeping in mind when taking sensitive CYP3A4-metabolized drugs; no specific action is typically required.
Validation status:
validated_via_pubmed
Evidence tier:
tier_b
Evidence basis:
pubmed_abstract_verbatim
Evidence anchors:
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
DHEA treatment elevated the expression and activities of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 in primary cultures of human hepatocytes.
Label source:
PubMed: Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals (2007)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
In transient transfection assays, DHEA and its metabolites androst-5-ene-3beta,17beta-diol (ADIOL), androst-5-ene-3,17-dione, and androst-4-ene-3,17-dione were activators of PXR. Maximal induction of a PXR-responsive reporter gene of approximately 3-fold was observed at concentrations of 50 to 100 microM, indicating that these steroids are relatively weak activators of PXR.
Label source:
PubMed: Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals (2002)
Source url:
Exact phrase from label:
The activities of the NVP 2-, 12-hydroxylations, the CBZ 10,11-epoxidation, and the TZM 4-hydroxylation were activated by endogenous androgens, such as androstenedione (AND), testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone.
Label source:
PubMed: Drug metabolism and disposition: the biological fate of chemicals (2002)
Action type:
informational_none