DHEA Replacement in Adrenalectomized/Hypoadrenal Patients

Inclusion criteria

• Subjects who have been adrenalectomised or have been hypoadrenal (from whatever cause) for > 24 months;
• Subjects who have been on a steady glucocorticoid replacement regime for >12 months;
• Women of child bearing age in whom oestrogen status has been steady for > 6 months - i.e. either on or off the oral contraceptive pill for that time;
• Subjects on other forms of hormone replacement therapy (e.g. thyroxin) in whom dose has remained the same for > 6 months.

Exclusion criteria

• BMI >35 Kg/m2;
• Individuals with fasting blood glucose above 120mg/dl;
• A history of sex hormone dependant malignancy;
• A history of liver disease;
• Renal failure;
• Cardiovascular disease (other than hypertension);
• Polycythaemia;
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding;
• Cerebrovascular disorders;
• Neurological disorders;
• PSA levels above the age related reference range;
• Use of drugs known to alter mood within the 6 months prior to enrolment;
• Any drug known to affect hepatic biotransformation;
• Evidence of psychiatric disease or dementia;
• Postmenopausal women who have been on hormone replacement therapy for less than six months.