| ORIGINAL ARTICLE |
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| Year : 2006 | Volume
: 3
| Issue : 3 | Page : 71-75 |
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Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in hypothyroidism
S Kalra1, B Kalra2, G Nanda3
1 Endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India
2 Gynecologist, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India
3 Resident, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana, India
Correspondence Address:
S Kalra
Endocrinologist, Bharti Hospital, Karnal, Haryana
India
 Source of Support: None, Conflict of Interest: None  | Check |
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Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) deficiency is a common but under diagnosed cause of asthenia. The aim of the study was to assess the frequency of DHEA-S deficiency in hypothyroidism, its clinical correlates, and the effect of DHEA supplementation in these patients.
consecutive well-controlled hypothyroid patients, complaining 'asthenia' for ii month were assessed for DHEA-S levels. Patients with low DHEA-S or with levels in the lower quartile of normal were supplemented with oral DHEA. Monthly follow-up was done to assess biochemical and clinical results, aiming for a DHEA-S level in the upper half of normal range.
out of 72 patients had DHEA-S deficiency. The average dose of DHEA required to correct DHEA-S levels at 6 months was 18.75 ± 6.30mg/day. 82.60% patients reported marked improvement while 8.69% felt fair improvement in their symptoms with DHEA supplementation. There was no change in thyroxine dose requirement. A significant number of patients felt improvement in Libido (62.50%) and erectile function (25.0%). 8.71% dropped out due to various side effects. To conclude, DHEA-S deficiency is an easily treatable cause of asthenia in hypothyroidism. |
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