• Table of Contents

  • The Benefits and Risks of Dehydroepiandrosterone Use in Sports
  • Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of DHEA
  • Potential Benefits of DHEA Use in Sports
  • Potential Risks of DHEA Use in Sports
  • Real-World Examples
  • Expert Opinion
  • References

The Benefits and Risks of Dehydroepiandrosterone Use in Sports

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that is produced by the adrenal glands. It is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen, and has been marketed as a supplement for its potential benefits in sports performance. However, there is much debate surrounding the use of DHEA in sports, with some claiming its benefits and others warning of potential risks. In this article, we will explore the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of DHEA, as well as the potential benefits and risks of its use in sports.

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of DHEA

DHEA is produced in the body from cholesterol and is converted into androstenedione, which is then converted into testosterone and estrogen. It has a short half-life of approximately 15-30 minutes, and is rapidly metabolized in the liver. This means that DHEA supplements must be taken multiple times throughout the day to maintain its levels in the body.

The pharmacodynamics of DHEA are not fully understood, but it is believed to have anabolic and androgenic effects, similar to testosterone. It has been shown to increase muscle mass and strength, as well as improve mood and cognitive function. However, its effects on sports performance are still under debate.

Potential Benefits of DHEA Use in Sports

One of the main reasons athletes may turn to DHEA is its potential to increase muscle mass and strength. Studies have shown that DHEA supplementation can lead to an increase in lean body mass and muscle strength, particularly in older individuals (Villareal et al. 2000). This could be beneficial for athletes looking to improve their performance in strength-based sports.

DHEA has also been shown to have positive effects on mood and cognitive function. In a study on older adults, DHEA supplementation was found to improve mood and decrease feelings of depression (Wolkowitz et al. 1999). This could be beneficial for athletes who may experience mood disturbances due to the physical and mental demands of training and competition.

Potential Risks of DHEA Use in Sports

While DHEA may have potential benefits for athletes, there are also risks associated with its use. One of the main concerns is its potential to increase testosterone levels, which could lead to a positive drug test for performance-enhancing drugs. In fact, DHEA is on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of prohibited substances (WADA 2021).

Another potential risk of DHEA use is its impact on hormone levels in the body. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen, and its supplementation could disrupt the body’s natural hormone balance. This could lead to side effects such as acne, hair loss, and changes in mood and behavior (Kicman 2008).

Real-World Examples

The use of DHEA in sports has been a controversial topic for many years. In 2004, baseball player Jason Giambi admitted to using DHEA as part of his training regimen, leading to speculation about its use in other professional sports (Associated Press 2004). In 2013, NFL player Brian Cushing was suspended for four games after testing positive for DHEA (Associated Press 2013). These real-world examples highlight the potential risks and consequences of using DHEA in sports.

Expert Opinion

While there may be potential benefits to using DHEA in sports, it is important to consider the risks and potential consequences. As an experienced researcher in the field of sports pharmacology, I believe that more research is needed to fully understand the effects of DHEA on sports performance and the potential risks associated with its use. Athletes should also be aware of the potential for positive drug tests and the impact on their hormone levels before considering DHEA supplementation.

References

Associated Press. (2004). Giambi admits using steroids. ESPN. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/mlb/news/story?id=1923951

Associated Press. (2013). Texans’ Cushing suspended for violating PED policy. NFL.com. Retrieved from https://www.nfl.com/news/texans-cushing-suspended-for-violating-ped-policy-0ap1000000233386

Kicman, A. T. (2008). Pharmacology of anabolic steroids. British Journal of Pharmacology, 154(3), 502-521. doi: 10.1038/bjp.2008.165

Villareal, D. T., Holloszy, J. O., & Kohrt, W. M. (2000). Effects of DHEA replacement on bone mineral density and body composition in elderly women and men. Clinical Endocrinology, 53(5), 561-568. doi: 10.1046/j.1365-2265.2000.01128.x

WADA. (2021). The 2021 Prohibited List. World Anti-Doping Agency. Retrieved from https://www.wada-ama.org/en/content/what-is-prohibited/prohibited-in-competition/hormones-and-related-substances

Wolkowitz, O. M., Reus, V. I., Keebler, A., Nelson, N., Friedland, M., Brizendine, L., & Roberts, E. (1999). Double-blind treatment of major depression with dehydroepiandrosterone. American Journal of Psychiatry, 156(4), 646-649. doi: 10.1176/ajp.156.4.646