DHEA Boosts GH and IGF-1 in Postmenopausal Women

observational-study PMID: 11476767

DHEA Boosts GH and IGF-1 in Postmenopausal Women

Quick Summary: A 2001 study tested how daily DHEA supplements affect growth hormone (GH) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) in postmenopausal women. Researchers found that 50 mg of DHEA daily raised natural GH and IGF-1 levels, plus other hormones and bone markers, in both early and late-stage postmenopausal women, regardless of weight. This suggests DHEA works like hormone therapy to support hormone balance.

What the Research Found

This study showed DHEA supplements can help restore key hormones that drop after menopause. Here's what happened:

Hormone Levels Rose: DHEA increased blood levels of related hormones like DHEAS (a DHEA form), estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), androstenedione (A), and testosterone (T). These changes happened in all women, lean or overweight.
GH and IGF-1 Boosted: Natural GH and IGF-1 (a protein that helps GH work) went up after six months. GH supports muscle, energy, and metabolism; IGF-1 aids growth and repair.
Bone Marker Improved: Osteocalcin, a sign of bone health, also increased, hinting at better bone activity.
No Change in Stimulated Response: When doctors gave a growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) shot to test the system, DHEA didn't boost the GH or IGF-1 response. This means DHEA helps everyday hormone levels but doesn't supercharge the trigger system.
Similar to Estrogen Therapy: Overall, DHEA acted like estrogen-progestin hormone replacement, making it more than just an anti-aging pill—it's a potential hormone treatment.

These effects held steady across ages (50-55 or 60-65 years) and body types, showing broad benefits for postmenopausal women.

Study Details

Who Was Studied: 31 postmenopausal women split into early (50-55 years) and late (60-65 years) groups. Each group had lean and obese participants to check if weight matters.
How Long: Six months total, with hormone checks at the start, three months, and six months. A special GHRH test happened before and after six months. Bone density scans and ultrasounds were done at the start and end.
What They Took: 50 mg of DHEA taken by mouth each day. No other treatments were added.

What This Means For You

If you're a postmenopausal woman feeling low energy, muscle loss, or bone concerns from dropping hormones, DHEA might help mimic hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It could support natural GH and IGF-1 to boost vitality and bone health without directly messing with your hormone triggers.

Potential Benefits: You might see improved hormone balance, better energy, and stronger bones—especially if you're lean or overweight, early or late in menopause.
Real-Life Tip: Talk to your doctor before trying DHEA. It's not a casual supplement; doses like 50 mg daily need monitoring to avoid side effects like hormone imbalances.
Who Might Benefit: Women over 50 seeking natural hormone support, but it's not for everyone—get personalized advice based on your health.

Study Limitations

This research has some gaps that mean it's not the final word:

No Comparison Group: There was no placebo group, so we can't be sure DHEA caused all changes—lifestyle factors might play a role.
Small Group: Only 31 women were involved, so results might not apply to everyone.
Short Time Frame: Six months is a start, but we don't know about long-term effects or safety.
Missing Details: Bone scan results weren't fully shared, so we can't say exactly how DHEA affects bones long-term.
Older Study: From 2001, so newer research might show different results—always check recent studies with your doctor.

Key Findings

DHEA supplementation (50 mg/day) significantly increased plasma levels of GH and IGF-1 in lean and obese postmenopausal women, independent of age or BMI. It also elevated steroid metabolites (E1, E2, androstenedione, testosterone, DHEAS) and osteocalcin, suggesting enhanced hormonal activity. However, GHRH-induced GH and IGF-1 responses remained unchanged, indicating DHEA modulates baseline secretion rather than stimulating the GHRH axis. The study concludes DHEA acts similarly to estrogen-progestin therapy, positioning it as a potential hormonal replacement treatment rather than a mere supplement.

Study Design

This 2001 prospective observational study included 31 postmenopausal women stratified into early (50–55 years) and late (60–65 years) postmenopausal groups, with lean and obese subgroups. Hormonal assessments (DHEA, DHEAS, E1, E2, androstenedione, testosterone, osteocalcin, GH, IGF-1) were conducted at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. A GHRH stimulation test (1 µg/kg) was performed pre- and post-treatment. Bone density and ultrasound evaluations were also conducted.

Dosage & Administration

Participants received 50 mg of oral DHEA daily for six months. Supplementation was administered continuously, with outcomes measured at 3- and 6-month intervals.

Results & Efficacy

DHEA supplementation led to significant increases in GH and IGF-1 levels at 6 months compared to baseline (specific p-values not reported in the abstract). Steroid metabolites (E1, E2, androstenedione, testosterone, DHEAS) and osteocalcin also rose significantly, confirming metabolic conversion and biological activity. No differences were observed in GHRH-induced GH/IGF-1 responses, suggesting DHEA does not directly enhance GHRH receptor sensitivity. Effects were consistent across lean and obese groups, with no age-related disparities.

Limitations

The study lacked a control group, limiting causal inferences. As an observational design, confounding variables (e.g., diet, physical activity) were not controlled. Small sample size (n=31) may reduce statistical power and generalizability. Duration (6 months) is insufficient to assess long-term safety or sustained efficacy. BMD and ultrasound results were not detailed in the abstract, restricting conclusions on bone or tissue effects.

Clinical Relevance

For postmenopausal women, DHEA supplementation may support hormonal balance by increasing GH, IGF-1, and steroid hormones, potentially mimicking some benefits of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, the lack of a placebo group and short follow-up period necessitate caution. Users should consult healthcare providers before use, particularly given DHEA’s hormonal activity and the study’s limited scope. These findings suggest DHEA could be considered a hormonal intervention rather than a casual supplement, warranting further controlled trials to validate its role in HRT.