DHEA
Also known as: dehydroepiandrosterone, prasterone, DHEA-S (related metabolite)
Randomized trials and meta-analyses show mixed effects: low-dose DHEA (25 mg/day) improved endothelial function and some insulin-sensitivity markers in middle‑aged men, while meta-analysis in elderly men found a small reduction in fat mass but no consistent benefit for lipids, glycaemia, bone health, sexual function or quality of life. Trials in women (including infertility and anorexia nervosa populations) do not show clear benefit for bone density or IVF outcomes, and potential harm in younger patients with open physes has been reported.
Last reviewed: 2026-10-14 · 5 indexed studies
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Overview
DHEA is an endogenous adrenal steroid frequently taken orally to restore age-related declines in circulating DHEA(S). Clinical trials have tested doses typically between 25 and 90 mg/day for weeks to months for outcomes including body composition, vascular function, bone markers and reproductive outcomes.
Mechanism & Function
Mechanism of Action
Oral DHEA raises circulating DHEA and DHEA‑S and is metabolised peripherally to active androgens and oestrogens, leading to increases in testosterone and estradiol concentrations observed in trials; proposed actions derive from these sex‑steroid conversions rather than a unique receptor for DHEA itself.
Physiological Role
Precursor steroid for androgen and oestrogen synthesis; circulating levels decline with age and supplementation restores younger adult concentrations.
Primary Pathways
Performance / Health Relevance
Any performance or health effects are likely mediated via conversion to androgens/oestrogens and downstream endocrine effects rather than a direct ergogenic mechanism. Small reductions in fat mass have been reported in elderly men, but broader clinical benefits are not consistently supported by trials.
Evidence Review
Practical Use & Dosage
- Minimum Effective Dose
- 25 mg/day (studied)
- Optimal Range
- 25–90 mg/day (doses studied in RCTs)
- Upper / Caution Level
- Not established; clinical trials have used up to 90 mg/day
- Timing
- Daily oral dosing in trials (no specific timing advantage reported)
- Best Format
- Oral tablet/capsule
- Bioavailability
- Oral DHEA increases circulating DHEA and DHEA‑S; conversion to downstream sex steroids occurs peripherally
- Absorption Considerations
- Not detailed in provided trials
Safety & Interactions
Side Effects
- •Increases in circulating testosterone and estradiol (reported in trials)
- •Potential androgenic effects (inferred from steroid increases)
- •Possible detrimental effects on bone in younger patients with open physes (reported in a meta-analysis review)
Contraindications
- Adolescents with open growth plates (potential detrimental bone effects reported)
- Likely contraindicated in patients with hormone‑sensitive cancers (based on mechanism of increasing sex steroids)
Drug Interactions
- •Not specified in provided abstracts; interactions possible with therapies affected by sex steroids
Who Should Avoid
- •Younger adolescents with open physes
- •People with known hormone‑sensitive malignancy (e.g. breast, prostate)
Monitoring
Consider monitoring circulating sex‑steroid levels and bone density in prolonged use; monitor clinical signs of androgenisation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Auto-generated from indexed evidence — dosage, safety, interactions, and more.
When is DHEA typically used or indicated?
DHEA is most commonly used for: Age-related vitality, Body composition, Menopausal or androgen/estrogen precursor support, Fertility adjunct in some fertility clinics. Precursor steroid for androgen and oestrogen synthesis; circulating levels decline with age and supplementation restores younger adult concentrations.
How does DHEA work?
Oral DHEA raises circulating DHEA and DHEA‑S and is metabolised peripherally to active androgens and oestrogens, leading to increases in testosterone and estradiol concentrations observed in trials; proposed actions derive from these sex‑steroid conversions rather than a unique receptor for DHEA itself.
What is the recommended dose of DHEA?
The optimal range is 25–90 mg/day (doses studied in RCTs). with a minimum effective dose of 25 mg/day (studied). Best taken: Daily oral dosing in trials (no specific timing advantage reported). Upper / caution level: Not established; clinical trials have used up to 90 mg/day.
What are the side effects of DHEA?
Reported side effects include: Increases in circulating testosterone and estradiol (reported in trials); Potential androgenic effects (inferred from steroid increases); and Possible detrimental effects on bone in younger patients with open physes (reported in a meta-analysis review). Monitoring: Consider monitoring circulating sex‑steroid levels and bone density in prolonged use; monitor clinical signs of androgenisation.
Does DHEA interact with medications?
Known or theoretical interactions: Not specified in provided abstracts; interactions possible with therapies affected by sex steroids. Always check with a clinician before combining with prescription medication.
Who should avoid DHEA?
DHEA is generally not recommended for: Younger adolescents with open physes; People with known hormone‑sensitive malignancy (e.g. breast, prostate); Adolescents with open growth plates (potential detrimental bone effects reported); and Likely contraindicated in patients with hormone‑sensitive cancers (based on mechanism of increasing sex steroids).
How strong is the evidence for DHEA?
Evidence level: Limited (overall score 50/100), based on 5 indexed studies on SuppIndex.
Research & References (5)
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly men.
Randomized, placebo‑controlled, double‑blind cross‑over trial of oral DHEA 90 mg/day for 6 months in 43 healthy men aged 56–80, assessing bone turnover markers and hormones.
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in men.
Randomized, double‑blind trial of DHEA 25 mg/day for 12 weeks in 24 men with hypercholesterolaemia examining endothelial function, fibrinolytic activity and insulin sensitivity.
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation in elderly men: a meta-analysis study of placebo-controlled trials.
Meta‑analysis of 25 double‑blind, placebo‑controlled RCTs in elderly men (total N=1353, mean follow‑up ~36 weeks) assessing sexual and metabolic outcomes with oral DHEA.
Dehydroepiandrosterone status and efficacy of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation for bone health in anorexia nervosa: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Systematic review and meta‑analysis examining DHEA status and RCTs of DHEA supplementation for bone health in women with anorexia nervosa.
Does dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation really affect IVF-ICSI outcome in women with poor ovarian reserve?
Randomized, prospective controlled trial of DHEA 75 mg/day for 12 weeks in 104 women with poor ovarian reserve undergoing IVF‑ICSI versus control without DHEA.
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Research Overview
Limited EvidenceCite this ingredient
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Stable URL
https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/dhea
SuppIndex. (2026). DHEA: Evidence summary, dosage and clinical studies. Retrieved October 16, 2026, from https://thesuppindex.com/ingredients/dhea
Based on 5 indexed studies · Evidence level: Limited.
Goal Ratings
Stack Compatibility
Effects are mediated by conversion to androgens/oestrogens so stacking with other hormones or agents altering steroid metabolism requires caution.