Dehydroepiandrosterone Improves Psychological Well- Being in Male and Female Hypopituitary Patients on Maintenance Growth Hormone Replacement

Context: Patients with panhypopituitarism have impaired quality of life (QoL) despite GH replacement. They are profoundly androgen deficient, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has been shown to have a beneficial effect on well-being and mood in patients with adrenal failure and possibly in hypopituitarism. Objective: Our objective was to determine the effect of DHEA administration on mood in hypopituitary adults on established GH replacement with a constant serum IGF-I. Design: A double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was conducted over an initial 6 months followed by an open phase of 6 months of DHEA. Setting: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral endocrinology unit. Patients: Thirty female and 21 male hypopituitary patients enrolled. Data from 26 females and 18 males were analyzed after patient withdrawal. Interventions: DHEA (50 mg) was added to maintenance replacement including GH. Main Outcome Measures: The primary outcome objective was the effect on QoL and libido assessed by QoL assessment...