Supplement Scholar
Compound

DHEA

Buy on Amazon ↗

Affiliate link: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Disclosures

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

How it works. Precursor to androgens and estrogens; declines with age.

What the research supports. 2 graded claims. Strongest: Improves bone density in elderly women (moderate).

How much to take. Typical dose: 10–50 mg women; 25–50 mg men.

Side effects and interactions. 1 medication interaction listed. Serious: Possible hormone-sensitive cancer risk.

Stacking. Pairs well with NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR), Omega-3. Avoid combining with Hormone-sensitive cancers, Athletes (banned).

Common forms. Available as Micronized DHEA.

Key studies. 9 studies cited. The strongest are listed with links to PubMed.

Community. Experiences from people who have tried DHEA. Anecdotes are not medical advice.

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

Molecular structureC19H28O2 · 288.4 g/mol

What it is

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

Also called

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Food sources

Synthesized from yam

Goals

Hormone OptimizationTestosterone SupportHealthy Aging

How it works

Precursor to androgens and estrogens; declines with age.

Pathways

  • Steroidogenesis

Effects

  • ↑DHEA-S, testosterone, estradiol increases

What the research supports

Improves bone density in elderly womenmoderate
May improve IVF outcomes in poor respondersmoderate

Strong: consistent results across large trials or meta-analyses. Moderate: several trials, mostly positive. Limited: small or mixed studies. Preclinical: animal or cell research only.

Typical dose
10–50 mg women; 25–50 mg men
TimingConsistent daily timing recommended; split larger doses if GI tolerance is a concern.
With foodWith a meal containing fat for fat-soluble compounds; otherwise either.
Best formMost evidence is based on the micronized dhea form.
Shop DHEA on Amazon ↗

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Look for USP, NSF or Informed Sport seals before you buy.

Side effects & interactions

Common side effects

  • Acne
  • Hair growth/loss

Serious

  • Possible hormone-sensitive cancer risk

Medication interactions

Hormonal therapiesmoderate

Additive.

Check any supplement–medication combination with your pharmacist before starting.

Combines with

Pairs well

  • NAD+ precursor (NMN or NR)Complementary mitochondrial and sirtuin support.
  • Omega-3Lowers inflammation and supports membrane integrity.

Avoid combining

  • Hormone-sensitive cancersTheoretical risk.
  • Athletes (banned)WADA banned.

Common forms

  • Micronized DHEA

Key studies

9 studies cited in total.

DHEA replacement in adrenal insufficiency ↗
Meta-analysis · J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2009

Improved quality of life and mood.

PubMed: DHEA — Improves bone density in elderly women ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

PubMed: DHEA — May improve IVF outcomes in poor responders ↗
Systematic review · PubMed (NLM) · 2026

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.

Discussion

Loading discussion…