Study Finds Fibromyalgia Not Responsive To DHEA Therapy

Category: Conditions of the Bone , Misc.

The Journal of Rheumatology published a study in its July issue that examined the effect that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has on symptoms of fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition marked by extensive musculoskeletal pain that can inhibit normal daily function. DHEA has been touted as a treatment for fibromyalgia. This is due in part to low DHEA levels found in the blood of patients with fibromyalgia as well as a functionally low activity in the adrenal glands, where DHEA is made.

The researchers recruited a total of 52 patients with a history of fibromyalgia. All the patients were postmenopausal women. The goal of the study was to determine the efficacy of DHEA and document any side effects. The women received 50mg/day of DHEA sulphate or placebo for 3 months. The primary outcome measure was sense of well being. Other assessments included; pain, fatigue, cognition, sexuality, functional impairment, depression, and anxiety.

Treatment with DHEA caused an increase in blood levels of DHEA three times normal. There was no improvement noted for sense of well being, the primary outcome. There was also no change observed for pain, fatigue, cognitive dysfunction, sexuality, depression, anxiety, etc. Significant side effects due to DHEA ingestion included acne, greasy skin, and increased body hair. These side effects are due to the androgen activity of DHEA.

The authors conclude that DHEA has no efficacy as a treatment for fibromyalgia. It did not affect well being, pain, fatigue, cognition, or mood in this study.

Posted by Kristopher Foster on December 17, 2008 10:00 AM