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Moderate evidenceLongevity & antioxidants

DHEA

DHEA is an adrenal prohormone sold as an anti-aging fix, but the trial evidence shows only small, narrow effects: a modest fat-mass reduction in older men and a small quality-of-life gain in women with adrenal insufficiency. It is banned in sport and is prescription-only in many countries.

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What the science says

  • Small body-composition effect in older men, nothing else Moderate evidence

    A meta-analysis of 25 placebo-controlled RCTs in 1,353 elderly men (mean follow-up 36 weeks) found a modest reduction in fat mass (SMD -0.35, 95% CI -0.65 to -0.05) that disappeared after adjusting for the rise in testosterone and estradiol. There was no effect on lipids, glucose metabolism, bone health, sexual function or quality of life.

  • Adrenal insufficiency: small quality-of-life benefit Moderate evidence

    Pooling 10 RCTs in women with primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency, DHEA improved health-related quality of life with an effect size of 0.21 (95% CI 0.08 to 0.33) and slightly improved depression, with no significant effect on anxiety or sexual well-being. The authors concluded the evidence was insufficient to support routine use.

  • Diminished ovarian reserve and IVF: unproven Limited evidence

    A meta-analysis of 9 studies (540 treated, 668 controls) reported higher clinical pregnancy rates with DHEA pre-treatment (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.09-1.99), with no change in oocytes retrieved or cancellation rates. When restricted to the four randomized trials the effect vanished (OR 1.08, 95% CI 0.67-1.73) - the signal comes from observational data.

  • Testosterone booster for young men Limited evidence

    DHEA does not meaningfully raise testosterone in young men with normal gonadal function; it is converted largely to estrogens and inactive androgen metabolites. Trials in young athletes have found no gains in testosterone, lean mass or performance.

Dosage & safety

Studied dose25-50 mg/day in aging trials; 25-50 mg/day in adrenal insufficiency protocols; up to 75 mg/day (25 mg three times daily) in fertility studies. Doses above 50 mg/day substantially raise downstream androgens and estrogens.
SafetyAndrogenic and estrogenic side effects are common: acne, oily skin, facial hair growth and voice deepening in women; breast tenderness and possible gynecomastia in men. It can lower HDL cholesterol and raise estradiol, so it is inadvisable with hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, prostate) and may interact with aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen and insulin. DHEA (prasterone) is prohibited at all times by WADA - a genuine doping-test risk. Sold over the counter in the US but prescription-only or restricted in Canada, the UK, Australia and much of the EU.

How to take it

TimingMorning, matching the body's own early-day DHEA peak.
With food?With a meal containing some fat — it is a fat-soluble steroid.
Worth knowingMeasure DHEA-S before starting and again after a few weeks, plus oestradiol and testosterone in women; this is not a supplement to dose blind.

Interactions

With medications

  • aromatase inhibitors (anastrozole, letrozole) and tamoxifen

    DHEA is converted to oestrogens and androgens and can work against the drug's purpose do not combine without oncology supervision

  • oestrogen, testosterone or other hormone therapy

    adds unpredictably to the hormone load already being prescribed do not start it without telling your prescriber

  • insulin and other glucose-lowering drugs

    DHEA can alter insulin sensitivity and shift glucose control monitor blood glucose more closely if you start or stop it

With other supplements

  • pregnenolone, androstenedione and other prohormones

    additive androgen and oestrogen exposure with no added benefit do not stack them

Well-established interactions only — this is not a complete list. Always tell your doctor and pharmacist what you take.

Frequently asked questions

Does DHEA work as an anti-aging supplement?

Not in any broad sense. A meta-analysis of 25 trials in older men found only a modest fat-mass reduction from DHEA, with no effect on lipids, glucose, bone health, sexual function or quality of life.

Does DHEA raise testosterone in young men?

No. DHEA does not meaningfully raise testosterone in young men with normal hormone production; it is largely converted to estrogens and inactive metabolites, and trials in young athletes found no gains in testosterone, lean mass or performance.

Does DHEA help with IVF or low ovarian reserve?

This is unproven: the evidence for DHEA in fertility is limited. Pooled studies suggested higher pregnancy rates, but when restricted to the four randomized trials the effect vanished, so the signal comes from observational data.

What are the side effects of DHEA?

DHEA commonly causes androgenic and estrogenic effects: acne, oily skin, facial hair and voice deepening in women, and breast tenderness or gynecomastia in men. It is inadvisable with hormone-sensitive cancers, and it is banned at all times by WADA.

Scientific references

Where to buy

Life Extension, DHEA, 25 mg, 100 Capsules

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