Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulphate (DHEAS) are the most abundant sex steroids in women. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), a unique secretory product of the adrenal gland, and DHEA are converted at various sites in the body, such as the brain, bone and adipose tissue to estrogen or testosterone and their various by-products. DHEAS and DHEA levels decline with age and there has been considerable conjecture that this results in a loss of well-being and libido. DHEA is available as an over-the-counter nutritional supplement in the United States, and is being increasingly prescribed and formulated by compounding pharmacies across Australia. However, there is a paucity of data regarding the effects of oral DHEA on the well-being, sexual function and safety in women. Previous studies evaluating the effects of DHEA on either postmenopausal women or women with adrenal deficiency (Addison's disease) have produced conflicting results, with some studies finding benefit in terms of sexual function and well-being while other studies have found no benefit. Therefore, there is a need for an appropriately powered randomized controlled trial of the effects of DHEA therapy on sexual function and well-being in postmenopausal women. In addition, as DHEA may be metabolized to estrogens, whether DHEA will alleviate vasomotor symptoms merits evaluation. The effects of DHEA on the endometrial (uterine) lining requires assessment, given its potential to be converted to estrogen.