DHEA cream can be life-changing for women who are going through menopause. It can help strengthen vaginal walls to reduce tearing, combat vaginal dryness, and even ease the symptoms of depression that sometimes arise at this stage of life. However, when using DHEA cream, you do need to take some precautions and think about safety — for yourself and others. Here are some safety tips to adhere to if you've been prescribed this topical hormone supplement.

Keep it out of reach of others.

For those who do not need a DHEA supplement, this cream can cause serious side effects such as an upset stomach, high blood pressure, and changes in the menstrual cycle. You would not want someone else to find the cream and assume it's your average lotion or moisturizer to be applied as desired. Keep it tucked away in a high cabinet or in the back of a drawer where nobody else will go. This is especially important if you have kids.

Only use it where directed.

There are DHEA hormone creams that are formulated for use on the face or other parts of the body, and then there are ones that are formulated to be used vaginally. These formulas contain different amounts of DHEA, so they are not interchangeable. If your doctor has prescribed you DHEA cream for vaginal use, don't use it on your face — and vice versa. Doing so could cause side effects and could also lead to a too-high dose since you're not applying the cream in several different locations.

Wash your hands before and after use.

Many DHEA creams are formulated with a carrier, which is a substance that helps open your pores so you can better absorb the hormones in the cream. The problem is by opening your pores, it also encourages you to absorb anything else that is on your skin, which is not always a good thing. To avoid this, make sure you wash your hands well before applying DHEA cream. Wash them again after applying the cream to prevent spreading it to other people. You would not want to touch something and leave the hormones behind, only to have someone else touch the same object and pick those hormones up.

DHEA cream can be incredibly effective, but it is a hormone supplement, and you do need to use it safely. Keep these safety tips in mind for a great experience.