Comparison guide
DHEA or 7-keto DHEA?
DHEA is a hormone precursor that raises downstream androgens and estrogens; 7-keto DHEA is marketed as a non-hormonal metabolite for metabolic rate. Both are prohibited at all times by WADA, and both have only narrow or thin evidence.
The options, compared
| Option | Evidence | Best for | The honest note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DHEA | Moderate evidence | Adrenal insufficiency, under medical supervision | Evidence shows only a small quality-of-life gain in women with adrenal insufficiency and a modest fat-mass drop in older men, with androgenic and estrogenic side effects common. | View |
| 7-Keto DHEA | Limited evidence | Not worth taking | A systematic review found the weight-loss evidence inadequate and industry-linked, and it is not hormonally inert despite the marketing. | View |
Our verdict
Neither is a casual supplement: DHEA is a hormone precursor to use only with a medical reason, and 7-keto has little credible evidence for its fat-loss claims. Athletes and anyone with a hormone-sensitive cancer should avoid both.