The adrenal prohormone that declines with age — OTC in the US, prescription elsewhere, and the hormone replacement most people try first.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an adrenal-produced steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estradiol. Levels peak in the mid-20s and decline steadily with age — by 70, most people have 10–20% of their peak levels.
DHEA is over-the-counter in the US as a dietary supplement, but prescription-only in Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. The WADA also bans it for athletes. Quality of OTC product varies significantly; pharmaceutical-grade or compounded DHEA is more reliable.
OTC in US; Rx in most other countries. WADA prohibited. Despite OTC status, DHEA is hormonally active and deserves the same thoughtfulness as a prescription hormone.
DHEA is converted in peripheral tissues to androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol. Amount of conversion varies by tissue, age, and sex. Women convert proportionally more to androgens; men more to estrogens.
DHEA and its sulfate (DHEA-S) cross the blood-brain barrier and have independent neurosteroid effects — modulating GABA, NMDA, and serotonin receptors. Some of the mood benefit appears to be receptor-mediated, not just downstream hormonal.
Unlike many hormone replacements, DHEA supplementation is mostly aimed at restoring youthful levels rather than replacing deficiency. The benefits are correspondingly subtler than TRT or menopausal HRT.
| Benefit | Evidence |
|---|---|
| Adrenal insufficiency (Addison’s) | Strongest evidence; 25–50 mg/day improves well-being and sexual function |
| Female libido | Particularly in women with low adrenal androgens; vaginal DHEA (prasterone) FDA approved for dyspareunia |
| Bone density | Modest improvements in older adults |
| Mood | Mild antidepressant effect in some studies; stronger in women |
| Muscle / body comp | Minimal effect in healthy men; small improvements in women with low baseline levels |
| Ovarian reserve / IVF | Increasingly used in poor-responder IVF patients; modest but real improvements in egg quality |
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
Start Tracking FreeCheck DHEA-S, total T, free T, estradiol, SHBG at baseline and 6–8 weeks after starting. Women especially should monitor androgen levels to avoid unwanted virilization.
FDA approved for menopausal dyspareunia. 6.5 mg vaginal insert daily; minimal systemic absorption.
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DHEAis widely available as a dietary supplement. You don’t need a specialty source to get a quality product — mainstream pharmacies, health retailers, and online retailers all carry it.
StackTrax does not sell supplements and does not earn a commission on supplement purchases.
Build your protocol, log every dose, monitor your body's response, and get reminders so you never miss a dose.
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