What should you know about DHEA for menopause?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is made mainly by the adrenal glands and can be converted into other hormones. Interest in it often relates to vaginal dryness, discomfort with sex, hot flushes, night sweats, mood changes, or low sex drive. These symptoms can have several causes, so a symptom alone does not establish that DHEA is appropriate.

DHEA may be discussed as a local vaginal preparation or as a product taken by mouth. The route changes where the medicine acts and which unwanted effects need consideration. Products sold as supplements may differ in strength and quality from prescribed treatment.

Tell a clinician about your symptoms, menstrual history, medical conditions, and every medicine or supplement you use. Ask whether vaginal moisturisers, lubricants, local hormone treatment, or another approach fits the symptom being treated. Do not start, stop, or change DHEA without checking the product, dose, and route with a qualified clinician.

Keep a brief symptom record: when symptoms occur, what triggers them, and whether they affect sleep, intimacy, or daily activities. This helps separate a vaginal symptom from whole-body menopause symptoms and supports a focused review.

Arrange medical assessment for unexpected vaginal bleeding after periods have stopped, new pelvic pressure, or symptoms that persist despite simple measures. Seek urgent help for severe pain, fainting, heavy bleeding, or thoughts of harming yourself.

Which symptom are we treating, and what other causes should we check? Would a local or whole-body option be more suitable? What side effects should prompt a call? How should this fit with my other medicines?