--Disease Characteristics-- Systemic lupus erythematosus by American College of Rheumatology criteria Mild to moderate disease characterized as follows: Prednisone dose (or equivalent) 10 to 30 mg/day No daily dose 1 mg/kg or greater No alternate-day regimen Failed prednisone taper in last 12 months and dose stable for at least 6 weeks prior to entry OR No attempt to taper in last 12 months and dose stable for at least 3 months prior to entry No prior participation in double-blind dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) study at Stanford University --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- No concurrent immunosuppressants No concurrent participation in other clinical studies No investigational agents within the longer of 30 days or 10 half lives of the agent At least 3 months since the following: Adrenocorticotropin hormone Androgens Cyclophosphamide Azathioprine Intravenous immune globulin Other immunosuppressants At least 1 month since any change in dose of concurrent nonsteroidal anti- inflammatory drugs or hydroxychloroquine --Patient Characteristics-- No hypersensitivity to DHEA or inactive ingredient in DHEA, i.e.: Cornstarch Lactose Magnesium stearate No condition that would prevent adequate compliance with study No history of breast cancer or reproductive tract malignancy Negative pregnancy test required within 2 weeks prior to entry Reliable contraception required of fertile women No estrogen-containing oral contraceptive