DHEA

DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. It is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is a fundamental building block for both estrogen and testosterone in the body. DHEA levels peak in your twenties and gradually decrease as you age.

For vaginal symptoms in menopause, DHEA is sometimes used as a treatment. A prescription form called prasterone (brand name Intrarosa) is FDA-approved as a vaginal insert to treat painful intercourse caused by menopause-related tissue changes. When applied locally, it is converted to estrogen and testosterone in vaginal tissue and helps repair moisture, thickness, and comfort. Over-the-counter DHEA supplements are also widely available, but the research for oral DHEA in treating menopause symptoms is less substantial than for the prescription vaginal form.