Prasterone
Prasterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone precursor that is converted in the body to both androgens and estrogens. It is primarily used to treat dyspareunia (painful intercourse) in postmenopausal women and has been studied for hypoactive sexual desire disorder. The medication works by supplementing hormone levels that decline with age and menopause.
Prasterone is a hormone precursor used primarily for sexual symptoms in postmenopausal women.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- A14
- RxNorm
- unknown
- Generic
- Prasterone
- Class
- atc-a14
- Brands
- Intrarosa
- Availability
- otc
- Pregnancy
- D
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 20
- Onset (min)
- 0
- Duration (h)
- 24
- Routes
- oral, vaginal
- Forms
- vaginal insert, oral tablet
- Regions
- United States, Canada, European Union
- Monitoring
- endometrial thickness
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid use
do not use during pregnancy; contraindicated due to potential fetal harm from hormonal exposure
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second trimesteravoid use
do not use during pregnancy; contraindicated due to potential fetal harm
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
third trimesteravoid use
do not use during pregnancy; contraindicated
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingavoid use
not recommended during breastfeeding; prasterone may transfer into breast milk and could affect infant hormone levels
not applicable - avoid use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
children adolescentsnot established
not indicated for pediatric patients; safety and efficacy not established in patients under 18 years of age
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderlyno adjustment needed
appropriate for use in elderly postmenopausal women with vulvar and vaginal atrophy; no dose adjustment required based on age alone
routine gynecological monitoring as appropriate
renal_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required; minimal systemic absorption with intravaginal administration
standard monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution; limited data available on severe renal impairment
clinical judgment recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mild to moderateno adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required; minimal systemic absorption with intravaginal administration
standard monitoring
hepatic_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution; limited data available on severe hepatic impairment
clinical judgment recommended
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Prasterone is a bioidentical hormone (dehydroepiandrosterone)
Common uses
Indication for Intrarosa vaginal insert
FDA approval year
FDA approval for Intrarosa (prasterone)
Route of administration
Intravaginal administration
FDA-approved for treating moderate to severe dyspareunia (painful intercourse) due to menopause. Also used off-label for adrenal insufficiency, low libido, and symptoms of lupus.
As a DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) precursor, prasterone is converted peripherally to active androgens and estrogens, which act on vaginal and other target tissues to improve mucosal health and reduce pain.
May cause androgenic side effects such as acne and hirsutism. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Should be used with caution in patients with hormone-sensitive conditions. Intravaginal use is associated with vaginal discharge.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy