Treatment of Androgenic Disorders with Dexamethasone: Dose-Response Relationship for Suppression of Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate

In a study from 1990, 30 women with high levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) were treated with varying doses of dexamethasone to determine the effective dose for suppressing DHEAS in the treatment of androgenic disorders. The doses tested were 0.125, 0.250, and 0.375 mg, taken at bedtime. The study found that a mean dose of 0.256 mg daily was sufficient for suppression, with 0.125 mg effective in 25% of the participants, 0.250 mg in an additional 50%, and 0.375 mg in another 20%. Most patients were also on spironolactone. The conclusion was that lower doses of dexamethasone than previously used could effectively suppress DHEAS with minimal side effects, indicating it as a safe option for treatment when properly monitored.