DHEA
The body's most abundant adrenal hormone and a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. Levels drop sharply with age — replacement is increasingly common.
Strong for replacement in DHEA deficiency (Addison's disease, adrenal insufficiency). Moderate for: improved libido in postmenopausal women, improved bone density, mood support in mild depression, vaginal atrophy (topical). Effects in younger / replete individuals are smaller. Effects: 6–12 weeks.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced by the adrenal glands as a precursor that the body converts into testosterone and estrogen as needed. It peaks in your mid-20s and drops 80–90% by your 70s, paralleling many age-related declines. Supplementation can restore youthful levels, with effects on libido, mood, lean mass, bone density, and skin. Effects vary significantly by sex and individual baseline — women generally respond at lower doses than men, and people with truly low baseline see the biggest changes. In some countries (UK, Canada, Australia) DHEA is prescription-only; in the US it's an OTC supplement.
- Form
- Micronised DHEA for better absorption. 7-Keto DHEA is a metabolite that doesn't convert to sex hormones — useful for metabolic / fat-loss claims without the hormonal effects. DHEA vaginal cream (prasterone / Intrarosa, Rx) for postmenopausal vaginal atrophy.
- Dose
- Women: 5–25 mg/day (starting low — often only 5–10 mg needed). Men: 25–50 mg/day. Always titrate from low dose — test, adjust. Don't supplement blind.
- Timing
- AM with food. Once daily.
- Schedule
- Daily. Re-test after 8–12 weeks; adjust dose to target.
- Side effects
- Acne, oily skin, hair loss / unwanted hair growth (especially women — androgenic effects). Voice changes, irritability, insomnia. Estrogen-side effects in men: breast tenderness. Headache.
- Interactions
- Hormone-sensitive medications (HRT, oral contraceptives, anti-androgens, tamoxifen) — significant interaction. Insulin / diabetes medications (mild glucose effects). SSRIs (modest interaction). Warfarin — variable effects.
- Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian, endometrial). PCOS (already elevated androgens). Pregnancy / breastfeeding. Severe liver disease.
- Lab markers
- DHEA-S (sulphated form) — the standard marker, stable through the day. Target: youthful adult range (~200–400 μg/dL women, 280–640 μg/dL men). Total testosterone, estradiol if monitoring downstream conversion.
- Food sources
- Not present in food — exclusively endogenous + supplemental.
Pairs with
Pregnenolone (upstream precursor — sometimes preferred for women who don't want direct DHEA). Magnesium, B6, zinc (cofactors). Vitamin D3 (hormone synergy).
Where to buy
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within Hormone precursors & modulators