Autoimmune
Studies have shown DHEA to be of therapeutic value in SLE, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. DHEA levels are often low in patients with these diseases, at least in part due to adrenal suppressive drugs such as prednisone. A return to normal physiologic levels appears to reduce immune complex formation, inhibit lymphocyte proliferation, and increase stamina and sense of wellbeing. (
1) In a small clinical trial in which 10 women with mild to moderate SLE were given 200 mg/day DHEA for three to six months, eight of the 10 women reported improvement in fatigue, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. (
6) An additional study was conducted in which 50 women with mild to moderate SLE were given 50-200 mg/day DHEA for six to 12 months. Results demonstrated decreasing disease activity over the entire treatment period, as measured by the SLE Disease Activity Index. Benefits were sustained one year post-treatment, regardless of menopausal status. (
7)
Allergy
Several clinical studies have demonstrated DHEA, given in doses of 10-74 mg/day, to be of benefit in treating food allergy, multiple chemical sensitivity, asthma, and hereditary angioedema. These studies reported a decrease in severity of symptoms regardless of whether patients were receiving corticosteroid therapy or not. (
1)
But I don't know the mechanism for it.