Dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA
What it isAdrenal androgen precursor and neurosteroid; supplement use and adrenal insufficiency in women.
Why this oneIt is the substrate from which both androgens and estrogens are made peripherally, giving it broad but weak effects.
What limits itAndrogenic effects in women. Evidence for most marketed uses is weak; it is banned in sport.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Moderate-to-severe dyspareunia (symptom of vulvovaginal atrophy due to menopause) | Postmenopausal women | 1 insert (6.5 mg) vaginally QHS | 1 insert QHS | 1 insert/day |
Renal Undefined
Hepatic Undefined
Instructions
- Insert vaginally once daily at bedtime using the provided applicator
Available strengths
- insert 6.5 mg
Contraindications
- Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding (evaluate cause before treatment)
Cautions
- Current or past history of breast cancer — estrogen is a metabolite of prasterone; exogenous estrogen is contraindicated in known/suspected breast cancer history and Intrarosa was not studied in these women
Adverse reactions
- Vaginal discharge (≥2%, 12-wk trials; 14.2% at 52 wk)
- Abnormal Pap smear (≥2% at 52 wk; mostly ASCUS)
Pregnancy Indicated only in postmenopausal women; no human data; animal reproduction studies not conducted.
Lactation Indicated only in postmenopausal women; no information on milk presence, infant effects, or milk production.
Cost
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
What pharmacies pay · NADAC 9/30/26
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/unit | brand $/unit | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6.5 mg | insert | per unit | — | $10.98/ea | not offered |
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskAndrogenic effects in women; banned in sport