DHEA may help reduce disease activity and improve quality of life in individuals with SLE by modulating the immune system and reducing inflammation. It potentially alleviates fatigue and musculoskeletal pain.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone that serves as a precursor to sex hormones. In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), DHEA is thought to modulate the immune system, potentially reducing inflammation and disease activity. It may improve fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and overall quality of life in some SLE patients. The exact mechanism is not fully understood but involves interactions with androgen and estrogen receptors, as well as modulation of cytokine production.