howtosupplement
Hormonal/Women/Longevity

DHEA

Adrenal hormone precursor studied for age-related decline in women, sexual function, and bone density.

DHEA

DHEA

45
score
C
evidence
Caution
risk

Proven Benefits

01Improves sexual function in women
02Supports bone mineral density
03May improve depressive symptoms
04May improve skin hydration
05May improve body composition
06May support muscle strength
07May support cognitive function

Chemical Forms

Recommended
  • DHEA (micronized)
Avoid
  • DHEA combined with herbal blends (hard to evaluate potency and interactions)
  • Topical DHEA creams (OTC absorption is variable)
Expert Note

Micronized DHEA dissolves better and is the form most often used in trials. Standard oral tablets are less predictable, and topical OTC products vary widely in absorption and hormone delivery.

Protocol

Amount
25-50 mg
Frequency
Once daily
When
Morning, with or without food — taking it earlier may avoid vivid dreams.

Condition-Based Dosing

Serum DHEA-S below age-adjusted range (adults 50+)
25 mg daily for 8-12 weeks, then reassess
Postmenopausal women with low libido
10-25 mg daily

Safety & Limits

Upper Safe Limit
100 mg/day (highest commonly studied oral dose; no official UL established)
Cycling
Safe for continuous use

Contraindications

Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, prostate) — DHEA converts to estrogen/testosterone and may stimulate growth
Pregnancy or breastfeeding — insufficient safety data and potential androgenic/estrogenic effects on fetus
PCOS or hyperandrogenism — may worsen acne, hirsutism, and metabolic symptoms
Bipolar disorder or severe mood disorders — neurosteroid effects may theoretically destabilize mood

Avoid Combining With

  • ✕Systemic corticosteroids (suppress adrenal steroid production)
  • ✕Chronic heavy alcohol use (can lower baseline DHEA-S)
Updated Invalid Date