DHEA is a hormone precursor that occurs naturally in the body and breaks down into estrogen and testosterone. When these hormones decline with age, adding DHEA to an HRT regimen helps to gently raise testosterone levels and supplement estrogen.

One benefit of taking DHEA, and HRT in general, is an overall increase in the amount and thickness of head hair. However, some women do initially experience a slight and temporary increase in hair shedding. This can be attributed to a phenomenon called Telogen Effluvium (TE), where the hair growth and loss cycles synchronize, making it appear as though more hair is shedding than normal. This condition can be triggered by a traumatic event or fluctuations in hormones - as with the onset of HRT; but as the body adapts to the hormone supplementation, the hair growth cycle should return to normal.

Winona prescribes DHEA in modest, safe doses as a gentle method for raising testosterone levels while avoiding the unwanted side effects of testosterone therapy.

In excessive levels of testosterone, which we don't prescribe, someone may experience "hirsutism" or excessive growth of facial hair. Our Winona doctors only prescribe DHEA in small doses, so any such side effects are kept to a minimum.