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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Insulin syringe — 100 units = 1 mL
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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.
Start Tracking FreeOral DHEA is sold over-the-counter in the US as a dietary supplement, not as an FDA-approved drug. The vaginal form (prasterone, brand Intrarosa) is FDA approved specifically for menopausal dyspareunia at 6.5 mg daily. In Canada, Australia, and most of Europe, DHEA is prescription-only. Quality of OTC product varies significantly; pharmaceutical-grade or compounded DHEA is more reliable.
DHEA is an adrenal-produced steroid hormone that serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estradiol. It is converted in peripheral tissues to androstenedione, testosterone, and estradiol, with women converting proportionally more to androgens and men more to estrogens. DHEA and its sulfate also cross the blood-brain barrier and have independent neurosteroid effects, modulating GABA, NMDA, and serotonin receptors, which appears to be part of the mood benefit.
Not really. Unlike many hormone replacements, DHEA supplementation is mostly aimed at restoring youthful levels rather than replacing deficiency, and the benefits are correspondingly subtler than TRT or menopausal HRT. The strongest evidence is for adrenal insufficiency (Addison's), female libido (especially with low adrenal androgens), modest bone density improvements in older adults, and mild antidepressant effect in some studies. Effects on muscle and body composition in healthy men are minimal.
General adult replacement is 10 to 25 mg/day for women (commonly 25 mg) and 25 to 50 mg/day for men, taken as an oral capsule in the morning. The target is DHEA-S in the mid-to-upper reference range for ages 25 to 35. Vaginal prasterone (Intrarosa) is dosed at 6.5 mg as a daily vaginal insert with minimal systemic absorption.
Check DHEA-S, total testosterone, free testosterone, estradiol, and SHBG at baseline and again 6 to 8 weeks after starting. Women especially should monitor androgen levels to avoid unwanted virilization. Target DHEA-S in the mid-to-upper reference range for age 25 to 35.
Dose-dependent side effects include acne, oily skin, hair thinning in those susceptible to androgenetic alopecia, mild jitteriness or irritability, and insomnia if dosed late in the day. In women, voice deepening, facial hair, and clitoral changes at higher doses are a stop-immediately signal. Use caution in PCOS (androgenic effects worsen), active acne, and male pattern baldness history.
Do not use DHEA with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, prostate, endometrial, ovarian), in pregnancy or breastfeeding, or under age 18 unless treating congenital adrenal hyperplasia under specialist care. DHEA is also WADA prohibited for athletes. Despite OTC status, DHEA is hormonally active and deserves the same thoughtfulness as a prescription hormone.
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