Dehydroepiandrosterone

—

evidence score

hormonal

Evidence Level B

DHEADHEA-Sdehydroepiandrostenedione+1 more

DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, produced primarily by the adrenal cortex. It serves as a precursor to both androgens (testosterone, DHT) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone). Serum DHEA-S peaks in the mid-20s and declines ~2-3% per year — by age 70, levels are 10-20% of peak. In TRT contexts, DHEA is relevant because exogenous testosterone suppresses adrenal androgen production, and some men report improved well-being, libido, and cognitive function with DHEA supplementation alongside TRT. The 2006 Mayo Clinic RCT (Nair et al., NEJM) found no significant benefit in elderly adults, but subsequent trials in adrenal insufficiency and specific populations show clearer effects. DHEA is also a neurosteroid — it modulates GABA-A, NMDA, and sigma-1 receptors, contributing to neuroprotective and mood-enhancing effects. Legal OTC in the US (classified as a dietary supplement under DSHEA 1994), prescription-only in many other countries.

Current literature links

DHEA in Elderly Women and DHEA or Testosterone in Elderly Men (Mayo Clinic RCT)(2006)Effect of DHEA supplementation on serum levels of androgens in middle-aged men(2020)Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in aging men and women — potential remedial therapy(2000)

Evidence

No score yet

Safety

Unknown safety profile

Clinical Status

Approved (intravaginal); OTC as supplement

Last Sync

Not synced yet

Last Reviewed

Not reviewed yet

Physician Notes

Check DHEA-S levels before supplementing. Most useful in patients with documented adrenal insufficiency or low DHEA-S. Can convert to estrogen in women and DHT in men.

FDA Status:Available as OTC supplement. Prescription compounded forms also available.

Monitoring

DHEA-S levels
Estradiol (in women)
DHT (in men with hair loss concerns)

Contraindications

Hormone-sensitive cancers
PCOS (may worsen androgen excess)

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Dosing

Typical

50 mg

25 mgRange100 mg

Frequencydaily (morning)

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Pharmacology

Half-lifeDHEA: ~15-30 minutes; DHEA-S (sulfated form): ~7-10 hours

OnsetSerum DHEA-S elevation within 1-2 hours; downstream androgen effects 2-4 weeks

DurationOngoing with daily dosing

Routes

oral

sublingual

topical

Evidence Score

—

0 studies indexed

Scoring Factors

Volume(24%)—

Quality(24%)—

Sample Size(12%)—

Consistency(14%)—

Replication(8%)—

Recency(18%)—

Evidence Levels

AScore ≥75 with at least 1 meta-analysis and 3+ RCTs

BScore ≥50 with at least 1 RCT or meta-analysis

CScore ≥25 — observational or animal evidence only

DScore <25 — very limited or preclinical data

Plain-English Snapshot

Dehydroepiandrosterone is currently categorized as a hormonal compound.

Evidence scoring has not been fully computed yet, so interpret this profile as preliminary.

Safety scoring is incomplete. Start conservatively and monitor carefully.

Core mechanism

Adrenal steroid precursor converted to testosterone/estradiol via 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD; also a neurosteroid modulating GABA-A, NMDA, and sigma-1 receptors

Practical Context

Strongest current signals

No indexed study summaries yet.