Side effects only occur with doses over 75mg per day. Normal dosages appear quite safe.
There are no studies that have investigated long term supplementation, because it is just too new a substance.
There are many considerations to be made when taking a hormone, some of which extend well beyond the realm of "side effects", and they are not to be taken lightly.
Use DHEA under the supervision of a qualified medical professional
Do not use if you are pregnant, nursing, or have prior ovarian, adrenal or thyroid tumors
Women should not take DHEA just prior to menopause because their levels typically increase right around that time anyway
Side effects include acne, irritability, fatigue, accelerated growth of facial hair and hirsutism in women.
No consistent relationship has been demonstrated between levels of DHEA and risk of cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, or immune function. Insufficient evidence exists to support using DHEA for acquired immune deficiency syndrome.
High levels of DHEA are associated with adverse effects, such as increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer at certain ages and reduced levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Report of a case of mania possibly precipitated by the use of high doses of DHEA. Further research is required to assess the mood effects of DHEA, including its potential risk for patients with bipolar disorder.
- Encephale 2002 Nov-Dec;28(6):563-6 -- A case report of mania precipitated by use of DHEA -- Vacheron-Trystram MN, Cheref S, Gauillard J, Plas J.