Intracrinology and the Skin
January 2000
in “
Hormone Research in Paediatrics
”
New to dehydroepiandrosterone? There is a guide in the encyclopedia. Read the guide → 
Studysummary This study describes the enzymatic processes through which DHEA is converted to active sex steroids in human skin, highlighting an androgenic effect on sebaceous glands and estrogenic effects in the vagina.
Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer
The 2000 study explored the effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on the skin, finding that it stimulates sebaceous gland activity in an androgenic manner, which was confirmed by the blocking of these effects by an antiandrogen but not by an antiestrogen. The study, which used ovariectomized female Sprague-Dawley rats over periods of 3, 6, or 12 months, showed that DHEA increased the number and size of sebaceous glands. It also suggested that DHEA could be used as hormone replacement therapy for postmenopausal women, as it exerted an estrogenic effect in the vagina without affecting the endometrial epithelium. The document also discussed the potential for developing local inhibitors to treat skin conditions like acne and hirsutism by blocking the conversion of DHEA into more potent androgens, a process facilitated by enzymes present in the skin.
