Adrenal Hormones replacement therapy

Replacement of the adrenal hormones usually concentrates on DHEA. In women the dose is 5 to 25 mg daily by mouth in the morning. Men can take between 20 and 50 mg daily also by mouth in the morning. Women should keep in mind that most DHEA is converted to testosterone and that and elevated testosterone level can result in elevated 5-DHT, which may cause acne and thinning hair. For this reason, DHEA levels should be monitored closely, especially in women. In men, DHEA is frequently converted to estradiol and can contribute to breast enlargement. The generic tendency toward breast enlargement is found in a significant number of men. This problem can be controlled by prescribing 7-keto DHEA, a form that is not easily converted into estradiol.

Testosterone replacement can also be provided in the form of transdermal ( through the skin) creams, oral supplements, gels, patches, or injections. For women, the recommended transdermal cream usage is normally 0.25 to 2.5 mg/mL daily; for men the range is from 25 to 160 mg/mL twice a day.