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Perimenopause, the transitional phase leading to menopause, often brings about a range of changes, including shifts in mood. Many women experience mood swings, irritability, and symptoms consistent with depression during this time. Understanding potential supportive approaches is a common area of interest.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced naturally by the body, serving as a precursor to other hormones like estrogens and androgens. Given its hormonal role, there’s a natural curiosity about whether DHEA supplementation might influence mood during the hormonal fluctuations of perimenopause. This article explores the current evidence regarding DHEA and mood concerns in this phase of life.
Understanding Mood Changes in Perimenopause
The perimenopausal period is characterized by fluctuating hormone levels, particularly estrogen, which can impact various bodily systems, including the brain. These hormonal shifts are often linked to the experience of mood swings, increased irritability, and symptoms of depression in some women. While hormonal changes are a significant factor, other elements like sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and life stressors can also contribute to emotional well-being during this time.
It’s important to recognize that mood disturbances during perimenopause are common and can range in severity. For many, these experiences are a temporary but challenging part of the transition. For others, they may represent a more significant impact on quality of life, prompting a search for supportive strategies.
DHEA’s Potential Role in Mood Regulation
DHEA and its sulfated form, DHEA-S, are the most abundant circulating steroid hormones in the human body. They are precursors to both estrogens and androgens, and their levels naturally decline with age. Research suggests DHEA may play a role in the mechanisms of stress and depression [1]. This has led to speculation about its potential influence on mood during periods of hormonal flux, such as perimenopause.
The brain contains receptors for DHEA, and it is considered a neurosteroid, meaning it can be synthesized in the brain and can modulate neuronal excitability and synaptic plasticity. These actions are thought to be relevant to its potential effects on mood and cognitive function.
Evidence for DHEA and Depression in Postmenopausal Women
While perimenopause is distinct from postmenopause, some research on DHEA and depression has focused on postmenopausal women, offering insights that may be partially relevant. A systematic review of observational studies examined the relationship between endogenous DHEA and depression in postmenopausal women. This review suggested a potential link between lower endogenous DHEA levels and depression in this population [2]. It’s crucial to remember that observational studies identify associations, not causation, and this finding pertains to naturally occurring DHEA levels, not necessarily DHEA supplementation.
An earlier treatment review from 1997 also explored DHEA for depression [3]. While this review provides historical context, the field of DHEA research has evolved considerably since then. More recent perspectives highlight the need for further robust evidence regarding DHEA therapy, especially in postmenopausal women, moving beyond a lack of definitive evidence [4].
DHEA Supplementation and Perimenopausal Mood: What Does the Science Say?
Direct, high-quality evidence specifically on DHEA supplementation for mood swings or depression in perimenopausal women is moderate. The International Menopause Society (IMS) World Congress 2024 highlighted current best practice approaches for menopause, providing a state-of-the-art overview [5]. While DHEA’s role in menopausal health was discussed, specific strong recommendations for mood swings or depression in perimenopause were not a primary focus, indicating that this remains an area requiring more definitive research.
A position statement from an expert panel of the Polish Menopause and Andropause Society in 2020 addressed DHEA supplementation in pre- and postmenopausal women [6]. This statement offers guidance on DHEA use in a broader context, but specific, strong evidence for its efficacy in directly addressing perimenopausal mood swings or depression as a primary indication is still developing.
Currently, while the theoretical basis for DHEA’s potential influence on mood exists, the clinical evidence for DHEA supplementation specifically targeting mood swings and depression in perimenopause is not yet conclusive. Research is ongoing, and findings can vary depending on study design, dosage, and duration of supplementation.
References
- [Dehydroepiandrosteron (DHEA) in the mechanisms of stress and depression]. Psychiatria polska, 2009
- Endogenous dehydroepiandrosterone and depression in postmenopausal women: a systematic review of observational studies. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 2023
- DHEA for depression. Treatment review, 1997
- DHEA therapy in postmenopausal women: the need to move forward beyond the lack of evidence. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 2010
- State of the art in menopause: current best practice approaches from the IMS World Congress 2024, Melbourne. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 2025
- Supplementation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in pre- and postmenopausal women – position statement of expert panel of Polish Menopause and Andropause Society. Ginekologia polska, 2020
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice; consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
