Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

DHEA

HormoneCervonoyl ethanolamideBest in the morning

Useful mainly for women with low sexual desire after menopause, or people with adrenal insufficiency under medical care.

Quick decision guide

May help most

Women with low sexual desire after menopause, or people with adrenal insufficiency under medical care

Common dosing range

10–50 mg/day in the morning (women 10–25 mg, men 25–50 mg)

When to expect effects

Weeks for hormone-mediated effects

Watch out for

Hormone-sensitive cancer risk; needs monitoring; banned in many sports

What is it

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands and, in smaller amounts, by the gonads and brain. It serves as a precursor for the body's synthesis of both androgens (testosterone) and estrogens. Blood levels peak in the mid-20s and decline progressively with age, prompting interest in supplementation for age-related conditions.

Is it worth it for you?

Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.

Worth considering if…

You have diagnosed adrenal insufficiency and use it under medical supervision

You are a postmenopausal woman with low sexual desire, with clinician oversight

You monitor hormone levels and clinical signs

Probably skip if…

You have or are at risk for hormone-sensitive cancer (breast, prostate, ovarian)

You are a competitive athlete subject to anti-doping rules

You want proven anti-aging or body-composition benefits

Evidence at a glance

Goal	Effect	Best fit	Time
adrenal insufficiency (addison's disease) Good Evidence	Modest improvement in well-being and mood	People with diagnosed adrenal insufficiency and low DHEA	Weeks
sexual function in postmenopausal women Limited Evidence	Modest improvement in desire and satisfaction	Postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire	Weeks
depression Limited Evidence	Modest, preliminary	Adults with mild depression, possibly midlife or with low DHEA	Weeks
bone density Limited Evidence	Small increases in bone mineral density, mainly in older women	Older women with low DHEA	Months

adrenal insufficiency (addison's disease)

Good Evidence

Effect: Modest improvement in well-being and mood
Best fit: People with diagnosed adrenal insufficiency and low DHEA
Time: Weeks

sexual function in postmenopausal women

Limited Evidence

Effect: Modest improvement in desire and satisfaction
Best fit: Postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire
Time: Weeks

depression

Limited Evidence

Effect: Modest, preliminary
Best fit: Adults with mild depression, possibly midlife or with low DHEA
Time: Weeks

bone density

Limited Evidence

Effect: Small increases in bone mineral density, mainly in older women
Best fit: Older women with low DHEA
Time: Months

Evidence for 4 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

adrenal insufficiency (addison's disease)

Corrects deficiency

Good Evidence

In adrenal insufficiency, the adrenal glands fail to produce DHEA, and replacement can modestly improve well-being, mood, and in some studies sexual function. This is correction of a genuine hormone deficiency and should be done under medical supervision with monitoring. Benefits are modest and not seen in everyone.

Effect size

Modest improvement in well-being and mood

Time to effect

Weeks

Best fit

People with diagnosed adrenal insufficiency and low DHEA

Less likely

People with normal adrenal function and DHEA levels

Bottom line: A reasonable, monitored replacement option in diagnosed adrenal insufficiency.

Evidence is mixed

Randomized trials in adrenal insufficiency show inconsistent effects on quality of life, with some positive and some null results.

SourceGurnell et al., 2008 — PMC· conflicting Rice et al., 2009 — PubMed· conflicting

SourceGurnell et al., 2008 — PMC Rice et al., 2009 — PubMed

sexual function in postmenopausal women

Supplement benefit

Limited Evidence

In postmenopausal women, DHEA is converted peripherally to androgens and estrogens, and trials report modest improvements in sexual desire and satisfaction, including with vaginal prasterone for genitourinary symptoms. Effects are moderate and best supported in this specific population. Monitoring is advised given androgenic side effects.

Effect size

Modest improvement in desire and satisfaction

Time to effect

Weeks

Best fit

Postmenopausal women with hypoactive sexual desire

Less likely

Premenopausal women or those without sexual-desire concerns

Bottom line: Modest, reasonably supported benefit for low sexual desire after menopause.

Evidence is mixed

Trials vary in route (oral vs vaginal), dose, and outcome measures, so effect sizes differ across studies.

SourcePanjari et al., 2009 — PubMed· conflicting

SourcePanjari et al., 2009 — PubMed

depression

Supplement benefit

Limited Evidence

DHEA acts on GABA, NMDA, and sigma-1 receptors and has been studied for depressive symptoms, with some small trials reporting improvement. Evidence is limited and preliminary, so it should not replace established antidepressant treatment. Use warrants clinician oversight.

Effect size

Modest, preliminary

Time to effect

Weeks

Best fit

Adults with mild depression, possibly midlife or with low DHEA

Less likely

People with severe depression needing standard treatment

Bottom line: Preliminary support for mild depression; not a substitute for standard care.

Evidence is mixed

Small antidepressant trials are mixed, and effects are not consistently replicated.

SourceRabkin et al., 2006 — PubMed· conflicting Schmidt et al., 2005 — PubMed· conflicting

SourceRabkin et al., 2006 — PubMed Schmidt et al., 2005 — PubMed

bone density

Biomarker support

Limited Evidence

Some trials in older adults, particularly women, report small increases in bone mineral density with DHEA, likely through downstream sex-hormone effects. Bone mineral density is a biomarker, and these studies have not shown a reduction in fractures. The effect is small and largely confined to older women.

Effect size

Small increases in bone mineral density, mainly in older women

Time to effect

Months

Best fit

Older women with low DHEA

Less likely

Men and younger adults, where effects are minimal

Bottom line: May modestly raise bone density in older women, but fracture-prevention benefit is unproven.

Sourcevon et al., 2008 — PMC Jankowski et al., 2006 — PubMed

How it works

DHEA is converted in peripheral tissues to androstenedione and then to testosterone or estradiol, with the balance depending on tissue-specific enzyme activity and individual physiology. Women typically experience greater increases in androgens with DHEA supplementation, while men may see modest changes in both androgens and estrogens. DHEA also acts independently of these hormones through GABA, NMDA, and sigma-1 receptors, with effects on mood and neurosteroid signaling. Oral DHEA is rapidly absorbed and undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism. Blood levels rise within hours and return toward baseline within 24 hours. The most consistent clinical use is in adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease) and in women with hypoactive sexual desire after menopause; other proposed benefits remain controversial.

How to take it

1. Typical dose

10–50 mg/day (women 10–25 mg, men 25–50 mg)

2. Higher studied dose

100+ mg/day for specific medical conditions under supervision

3. Timing

Once in the morning to match the natural DHEA rhythm

4. With food

With or without food

5. How long to try

Reassess over weeks; use periodic hormone monitoring for long-term use

What to track

DHEA-S, testosterone, and estradiol levels

Androgenic signs (acne, oily skin, hair changes)

Target symptom (sexual desire, energy)

4 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

DHEA (oral)

The most common supplement form. Doses typically 10-50 mg per day.

Extensive first-pass metabolism

DHEA (micronized)

Small particle size may improve bioavailability marginally.

Slightly improved absorption

Vaginal DHEA (prasterone)

FDA-approved for menopausal vulvovaginal symptoms. Different formulation from oral supplements.

Local action; minimal systemic absorption

7-Keto DHEA

A DHEA metabolite that does not convert to testosterone or estrogen; covered in a separate entry.

Different metabolite; not converted to sex hormones

Safety

Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.

Common side effects

Acne and oily skinHair thinning or facial hair growth in womenIrritability or mood swingsBreast tenderness

Serious risks

Theoretical promotion of hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate)
Possible adverse cardiovascular and lipid effects with long-term use

Who should avoid it

People with or at risk for hormone-sensitive cancers
Those with liver disease, PCOS, or clotting disorders
Men with prostate enlargement
Competitive athletes (banned by many organizations)

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Interactions

Hormonal medications (HRT, tamoxifen, aromatase inhibitors)Major

DHEA alters androgen and estrogen levels, potentially opposing or amplifying these drugs

Insulin and diabetes medicationsModerate

May affect insulin sensitivity and glucose

AnticoagulantsModerate

Possible effect on clotting

Psychiatric medications affecting neurosteroidsModerate

DHEA's neurosteroid activity may interact

Choosing a product

What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.

Look for…

Verified DHEA content (third-party tested)

Pharmaceutical-grade prasterone for vaginal use

Clear per-dose milligram amount

Be skeptical of…

Anti-aging or longevity hormone

Builds muscle or burns fat

Safe to use without monitoring

Frequently asked questions

Will DHEA boost my testosterone?⌄

It can raise testosterone modestly, especially in women whose baseline is much lower. In men with normal testosterone, effects are usually small.

Is DHEA safe to take long-term?⌄

Long-term safety data are limited, and concerns about hormone-sensitive cancers and cardiovascular effects remain. Use under medical supervision with periodic hormone monitoring.

Can DHEA help with menopausal symptoms?⌄

Vaginal DHEA (prasterone) is FDA-approved for painful intercourse in menopausal women. Oral DHEA shows more limited effects on hot flashes and other symptoms.

Is DHEA banned in sports?⌄

Yes. DHEA is on the WADA prohibited list and is banned by most major sports organizations as an anabolic agent.

Why does DHEA cause acne and hair changes?⌄

DHEA converts to androgens in peripheral tissues, which can stimulate oil glands and affect hair growth patterns. These effects are more pronounced in women and at higher doses.

References by claim

adrenal insufficiency (addison's disease)

Gurnell et al., 2008 — PMC (2008) link

Rice et al., 2009 — PubMed (2009) link

sexual function in postmenopausal women

Panjari et al., 2009 — PubMed (2009) link

depression

Rabkin et al., 2006 — PubMed (2006) link

Schmidt et al., 2005 — PubMed (2005) link

bone density

von et al., 2008 — PMC (2008) link

Jankowski et al., 2006 — PubMed (2006) link

Track DHEA with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

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Evidence-based·Last reviewed May 30, 2026·Evidence current as of May 30, 2026·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.