DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone
Adrenal hormone precursor that declines with age, supporting hormone balance, energy, and body composition.
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Levels peak in the mid-20s and decline ~2% per year thereafter. Research suggests benefits for energy, mood, bone density, body composition, and sexual function, particularly in those with low levels. A cornerstone of anti-aging medicine.
Mechanisms of Action
Hormone Precursor
Converts to testosterone and estrogen
Neurosteroid Activity
Direct effects on brain function
Recommended Dose
25-50mg for women; 50-100mg for men (start low)
Loading: Start at 25mg and titrate based on blood levels
Optimal Timing
- Morning (mimics natural rhythm)
Take with food
Best Form
Micronized DHEA capsules
Alternatives: 7-Keto DHEA (doesn't convert to sex hormones), Sublingual
7-Keto DHEA may be preferable for those concerned about sex hormone conversion.
Duration
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 16 weeks
Cycling: Monitor DHEA-S levels every 3-6 months. Adjust dose to keep in optimal range.
Note: Take in the morning to mimic natural cortisol/DHEA rhythm. Monitor blood levels.
Personalized Dosage Calculator
Get a dosage recommendation tailored to your body weight, age, goals, and health profile.
Set up your health profile for personalized recommendations
Improved Well-being
Better energy and mood
Body Composition
May improve muscle/fat ratio
Use lower doses (10-25mg); watch for androgenic effects
Generally not needed unless deficient
Who Should NOT Take This
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian)
- PCOS (may worsen symptoms)
- Liver disease
- Hormone Sensitive Cancers (contraindicated)
Drug Interactions
Additive hormonal effects
May affect blood sugar
Possible Side Effects
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue or switch to 7-Keto
Tip: Adjust dose
Warnings
- Test DHEA-S levels before and during supplementation
- Contraindicated in hormone-sensitive cancers
- Can convert to estrogen AND testosterone
- Women should start with low doses due to androgenic effects
Top studies from 40+ peer-reviewed papers
Peixoto C et al. • Journal of neuroscience research (2020)
“However, these results should be viewed with caution, since the quality of evidence for this outcome was considered very low according to the GRADE criteria.© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.”
Key Findings:
- No hormonal changes that indicated any risk to the participants' health were seen.
- Side effects observed were uncommon, mild, and transient, but commonly related to androgyny.
- In conclusion, DHEA was associated with a beneficial effect on depressive symptoms compared to placebo.
- However, these results should be viewed with caution, since the quality of evidence for this outcome was considered very low according to the GRADE criteria.© 2020 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Danan ER et al. • Annals of internal medicine (2024)
“Vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, oral ospemifene, and vaginal moisturizers may improve some GSM symptoms in the short term.”
Key Findings:
- Vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, oral ospemifene, and vaginal moisturizers may improve some GSM symptoms in the short term.
- Few long-term data exist on efficacy, comparative effectiveness, tolerability, and safety of GSM treatments.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Chen Y et al. • Postgraduate medicine (2024)
“This meta-analysis indicates that reduced levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen may serve as potential risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis.”
Key Findings:
- This meta-analysis indicates that reduced levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen may serve as potential risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis.
- There is a pressing need for additional studies to confirm this association and explore the underlying biological mechanisms.
- Clinicians should recognize the potential influence of sex hormones in the etiology of pulmonary fibrosis and consider this aspect during the patient management process.
Zhu F et al. • Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E (2023)
“Compared with COS regimen, the adjuvant use of CoQ10, DHEA and GH before IVF may have a better clinical effect on the pregnancy outcome of POR patients.”
Key Findings:
- Compared with the control group, CoQ10 (OR 2.22, 95% CI: 1.05 to 4.71) and DHEA (OR 1.92, 95% CI: 1.16 to 3.16) had obvious advantages in improving the clinical pregnancy rate.
- CoQ10 was the best in improving the live birth rate (OR 2.36, 95% CI: 1.07 to 5.38).
- DHEA increased the embryo implantation rate (OR 2.80, 95%CI: 1.41 to 5.57) and the high-quality embryo rate (OR 2.01, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.78) and number of oocytes retrieved (WMD 1.63, 95% CI: 0.34 to 2.92) showed a greater advantage, with GH in second place.
Wang J et al. • Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening (2023)
“Oral DHEA supplementation appears to improve some IVF outcomes.”
Key Findings:
- Oral DHEA supplementation appears to improve some IVF outcomes.
- On the basis of this limited evidence, we conclude that further studies are required to provide sufficient data.
- Further research warranted to confirm findings
Study Type Distribution
Goals This Supplement Supports
Related Goals
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement.