Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#aged #body-composition #body-mass-index #dehydroepiandrosterone #female

Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Hu et al., 2021 | Complement Ther Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Hu Ying, Wan Ping, ... Jiang Guilin. Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2021-Jan;56:102620. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2020.102620

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that numerous clinical studies have evaluated the positive effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and on the body mass index (BMI), more evidence is needed to certify that DHEA is a BMI-reducing agent in the elderly. This meta-analysis aims to clarify the various incompatible results and investigate the impact of DHEA supplementation on serum testosterone levels and lean body mass in elderly women. METHODS: Four scientific databases (EMBASE, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched from inception until 20 August 2020 for trials comparing DHEA with placebo. Results were presented as weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95 % confidence intervals (CIs) based on the random effects model (DerSimonian-Laird approach). RESULTS: Nine arms with 793 subjects reported testosterone as an outcome measure. The overall results demonstrated that testosterone levels increased significantly after DHEA administration in elderly women (WMD: 17.52 ng/dL, 95 % CI: 6.61, 28.43, P = 0.002). In addition, DHEA administration significantly decreased the BMI (WMD:-0.39 kg/m2, I2 = 0.0 %). CONCLUSION: The results of the current meta-analysis support the use of DHEA supplementation for increasing testosterone concentrations in elderly women.

Key Findings

Nine arms with 793 subjects reported testosterone as an outcome measure. The overall results demonstrated that testosterone levels increased significantly after DHEA administration in elderly women (WMD: 17.52 ng/dL, 95 % CI: 6.61, 28.43, P = 0.002). In addition, DHEA administration significantly decreased the BMI (WMD:-0.39 kg/m2, I2 = 0.0 %).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population elderly women
Sample Size 793
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Aged
  • Body Composition
  • Body Mass Index
  • Dehydroepiandrosterone
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Testosterone

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: DHEA-hormonal

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09