Loading…
We use essential cookies (authentication, your saved goals/stack) by default. With your permission we’ll also enable privacy-respecting analytics (Vercel Web Analytics, anonymous load-time metrics) and error-replay diagnostics (Sentry — DOM snapshots only when an error fires) so we can fix bugs faster. Learn more about cookies
Head-to-head evidence comparison — which supplement is right for you?
DHEA vs Maca: they're closely matched on evidence (5.5 vs 5.5/10); they're alternatives for support mood — the best pick depends on your goals. Take the 60-second quiz for a pick tailored to your goals.
DHEA and Maca are closely matched across evidence, studies, and safety.
Verdict
Probably helps
4 of 8 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Verdict
Likely helps
3 of 3 studies with measurable effects showed benefit.
Top outcomes
Shared outcomes (2)
Outcomes where both DHEA and Maca have evidence — compare verdict strength side-by-side.
25-50mg for women; 50-100mg for men (start low)
Morning (mimics natural rhythm)
Micronized DHEA capsules
1500-3000mg
Morning or early afternoon, With food
Gelatinized maca powder (easier to digest)
4-8 weeks
8-12 weeks
6-12 weeks
4-8 weeks
4-8 weeks
Dehydroepiandrosterone for depressive symptoms: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Journal of neuroscience research (2020) · Meta analysis · n=742
No hormonal changes that indicated any risk to the participants' health were seen.
Hormonal Treatments and Vaginal Moisturizers for Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause : A Systematic Review
Annals of internal medicine (2024) · Systematic review
Vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, oral ospemifene, and vaginal moisturizers may improve some GSM symptoms in the short term.
TEAS, DHEA, CoQ10, and GH for poor ovarian response undergoing IVF-ET: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E (2023) · Meta analysis · n=2323
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.
Effects of Maca (Lepidium meyenii Walp.) on Physical Performance in Animals and Humans: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Nutrients (2024) · Meta analysis
They revealed a large effect for all outcomes (SMD: FST = 2.26, RRT = 6.26, GST = 5.23, LA = -1.01, and BLA = -1.70).
A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca)
Phytotherapy research : PTR (2021) · Review
Additionally, the research on the change of active components in Maca at different growth stages by MS will be beneficial to full utilization of active components in Maca and other natural resources.
Enhancement of Interferon-γ Secretion by Lepidium meyenii Extract Supplementation After Exhaustive Endurance Exercise in Healthy Men: A Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trial
International journal of medical sciences (2025) · Rct · n=20
Regarding the main time effect, the number of lymphocytes in all participants was significantly lower at 2 and 4 hours after exercise than before supplementation.
Based on meta-analysis showing OR 1.92 for clinical pregnancy rate in poor ovarian response patients. Effect specific to fertility treatment context with medical supervision. Limited long-term safety data.
Based on meta-analysis showing large effect sizes for physical performance outcomes. Effects may vary significantly between raw and gelatinized forms. Limited human studies with small sample sizes.
AI-estimated from published studies. Interpret as directional guidance.
Both DHEA and Maca are closely matched — the best choice depends on your specific health goals.
For support mood, DHEA has a higher relevance score (85 vs 58).
No known interactions between DHEA and Maca have been documented in our database. However, always consult a healthcare provider before combining supplements.
Mostly hype unless you’re deficient — what has modest evidence vs what doesn’t, and when to see a doctor.
CoQ10, zinc, selenium, carnitine modestly help sperm parameters — but live-birth evidence is weak.
Hot flashes, bone, sleep, muscle — the basics that hold up vs the phytoestrogen hype.
The transition years (40s): cycle changes, mood, sleep, brain fog — foundations, vitex, and starting muscle work early.
The right pick depends on your goals. Answer a few quick questions for a personalised recommendation — or dig into the full evidence on each.