Perimenopause is a transitional phase that many women experience, often accompanied by various changes, including disruptions in sleep patterns. Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing non-restorative sleep are common concerns during this time.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone that has garnered interest for its potential roles in various bodily functions [1]. This article explores the current, albeit limited, research regarding DHEA’s potential influence on sleep quality specifically during perimenopause.
Understanding Perimenopausal Sleep Changes
Sleep disturbances are a frequent complaint among women navigating perimenopause. These changes can manifest as insomnia, characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, or early morning awakening [2]. Other sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome or sleep-disordered breathing, may also become more prevalent or noticeable during this life stage [3].
The International Classification of Sleep Disorders, Third Edition (ICSD-3), provides a framework for diagnosing various sleep conditions [4]. Hormonal fluctuations, particularly changes in estrogen and progesterone levels, are thought to contribute significantly to the sleep challenges experienced during perimenopause, although the exact mechanisms are complex.
What is DHEA?
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, and it serves as a precursor to other hormones, including androgens and estrogens [1]. Its levels typically peak in early adulthood and gradually decline with age [5].
Beyond its role as a precursor, DHEA itself is understood to have various pharmacological effects within the body [1]. Research has explored its potential involvement in areas such as mortality, physical exercise, and neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease [PMID 24704256, PMID 24704255, PMID 32183671]. However, its direct role in specific aspects of perimenopausal health, such as sleep, is still being investigated.
DHEA and Sleep Quality: The Current Research Landscape
Research directly investigating the impact of DHEA supplementation on sleep quality specifically in perimenopausal women is limited. While DHEA has been studied for its broader effects, direct evidence linking DHEA to significant improvements in perimenopausal sleep is not robust.
Some general research on DHEA’s effects mentions its potential influence on mood and well-being, which could indirectly relate to sleep quality. However, these are not direct studies on sleep outcomes in perimenopause. The body of evidence supporting DHEA as a direct aid for perimenopausal sleep disturbances is currently considered limited. It’s important to distinguish between general effects of DHEA and specific, proven benefits for sleep issues during this particular life stage.
What We Don’t Know Yet About DHEA and Perimenopausal Sleep
Despite interest in DHEA, there remains a significant gap in specific, well-designed clinical trials focusing on DHEA’s direct impact on perimenopausal sleep quality. Much of the existing literature on DHEA focuses on its broader hormonal roles or its association with other health markers [1].
Key questions that remain unanswered include optimal dosages for potential sleep support, the specific mechanisms by which DHEA might influence sleep architecture during perimenopause, and whether its effects are sustained over time. Without more targeted research, drawing definitive conclusions about DHEA’s role in improving perimenopausal sleep is not possible.
References
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Pharmacological Effects and Potential Therapeutic Application. Mini reviews in medicinal chemistry, 2023
- Common Sleep Disorders Affecting Older Adults. The Permanente journal, 2023
- Sleep Disorders. NEJM evidence, 2024
- International classification of sleep disorders-third edition: highlights and modifications. Chest, 2014
- [Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)–youth hormone?]. Wiadomosci lekarskie (Warsaw, Poland : 1960), 2001
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