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evidence · mechanism · dose
Supplements/Compound

DHEA

aka Dehydroepiandrosterone

Adrenal androgen precursor declining with age; used for adrenal insufficiency and aging.

Hormone OptimizationTestosterone SupportHealthy Aging

Overview

Adrenal androgen precursor declining with age; used for adrenal insufficiency and aging.

Natural sources
  • Synthesized from yam
Common forms
  • Micronized DHEA

Mechanism of action

Precursor to androgens and estrogens; declines with age.

Pathways
  • · Steroidogenesis
Hormones
  • · Testosterone
  • · Estradiol
  • · DHEA-S

Effects on the body

Increases
DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol

Organ system effects

Reproductive

Improves IVF outcomes in poor responders.

Skin

Improves elasticity in elderly women.

Evidence-based benefits

Improves bone density in elderly women

Moderate evidence

May improve IVF outcomes in poor responders

Moderate evidence

Potential side effects

Common
  • · Acne
  • · Hair growth/loss
Rare
  • · Voice changes (women)
Serious
  • · Possible hormone-sensitive cancer risk

Drug interactions

Hormonal therapies
Additive.
moderate

Safety & non-supplemental interactions

Educational summary — always confirm with your clinician or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or combining with prescription therapy.

Avoid if you are
  • ·Pregnant or breastfeeding
  • ·Anyone under 30 without documented deficiency
Avoid with these conditions
  • ·Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, ovarian, uterine)
  • ·Hormone-sensitive cancers (prostate, breast, ovarian, uterine)
  • ·PCOS
  • ·Liver disease
  • ·Mood disorders (mania)
Avoid / monitor with these medications
  • ·Hormonal contraceptives, HRT, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors
  • ·Aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen
  • ·Antidepressants (mood swings)
  • ·Insulin and antidiabetics

Supplement interactions

Pairs well with

None listed.

Avoid combining with
  • Hormone-sensitive cancers
    Theoretical risk.
  • Athletes (banned)
    WADA banned.

Dosing & bioavailability

Typical dose
10–50 mg women; 25–50 mg men

Where to buy

Affiliate-style search links to reputable retailers. We don't endorse specific brands — verify third-party testing (USP, NSF, Informed Sport) before purchase.

Compound
DHEA
Amazon
Wide selection · fast shipping
Compound
DHEA
iHerb
Global delivery · curated brands
Compound
DHEA
Thorne
Practitioner-grade · NSF tested

Scientific evidence (9)

Meta-analysisJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2009

DHEA replacement in adrenal insufficiency

Alkatib AA, et al.

Meta-analysis of DHEA in adrenal insufficiency.

Key findings

Improved quality of life and mood.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — Improves bone density in elderly women

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA Improves bone density in elderly women" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "Improves bone density in elderly women". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — May improve IVF outcomes in poor responders

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA May improve IVF outcomes in poor responders" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "May improve IVF outcomes in poor responders". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — randomized controlled trial

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA randomized controlled trial" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "randomized controlled trial". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — meta-analysis

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA meta-analysis" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "meta-analysis". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — pharmacokinetics

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA pharmacokinetics" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "pharmacokinetics". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — safety adverse events

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA safety adverse events" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "safety adverse events". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewPubMed (NLM) · 1970

PubMed: DHEA — dose response

Live PubMed search

Live results for "DHEA dose response" across the PubMed/MEDLINE peer-reviewed index.

Key findings

Opens current human and preclinical literature matching DHEA and "dose response". Filter by RCT, meta-analysis, or year on the results page.

Open study
Systematic reviewGoogle Scholar · 1970

Google Scholar: DHEA — clinical evidence

Live Scholar search

Cross-database citation index for DHEA as it relates to "clinical evidence".

Key findings

Includes preprints, theses, and journal articles. Useful for tracking citation counts and follow-on work.

Open study
Educational use only. This profile is not medical advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you take prescription medication or have a chronic condition.