Dehydroepiandrosterone
Adrenal hormone precursor that declines with age, supporting hormone balance, energy, and body composition.
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Levels peak in the mid-20s and decline ~2% per year thereafter. Research suggests benefits for energy, mood, bone density, body composition, and sexual function, particularly in those with low levels. A cornerstone of anti-aging medicine.
Converts to testosterone and estrogen
Direct effects on brain function
How DHEA works — from molecular targets to health outcomes. Click an edge to see supporting research.This visualization is in beta — pathways are being refined and expanded.
25-50mg for women; 50-100mg for men (start low)
Loading: Start at 25mg and titrate based on blood levels
Take with food
| Form | Type |
|---|---|
| 💊Micronized DHEA capsules | Recommended |
| 💊7-Keto DHEA (doesn't convert to sex hormones) | Alternative |
| 💊Sublingual | Alternative |
7-Keto DHEA may be preferable for those concerned about sex hormone conversion.
Minimum: 8 weeks
Optimal: 16 weeks
Cycling: Monitor DHEA-S levels every 3-6 months. Adjust dose to keep in optimal range.
Note: Take in the morning to mimic natural cortisol/DHEA rhythm. Monitor blood levels.
Better energy and mood
May improve muscle/fat ratio
Use lower doses (10-25mg); watch for androgenic effects
Generally not needed unless deficient
Additive hormonal effects
May affect blood sugar
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Reduce dose
Tip: Discontinue or switch to 7-Keto
Tip: Adjust dose
Top studies from 36+ peer-reviewed papers
Peixoto C et al. • Journal of neuroscience research (2020)
“However, these results should be viewed with caution, since the quality of evidence for this outcome was considered very low according to the GRADE criteria.”
Danan ER et al. • Annals of internal medicine (2024)
“Vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, oral ospemifene, and vaginal moisturizers may improve some GSM symptoms in the short term.”
Chen Y et al. • Postgraduate medicine (2024)
“This meta-analysis indicates that reduced levels of DHEA-S, testosterone, estrogen may serve as potential risk factors for pulmonary fibrosis.”
Zhu F et al. • Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E (2023)
“Compared with COS regimen, the adjuvant use of CoQ10, DHEA and GH before IVF may have a better clinical effect on the pregnancy outcome of POR patients.”
Wang J et al. • Combinatorial chemistry & high throughput screening (2023)
“Oral DHEA supplementation appears to improve some IVF outcomes.”
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