Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly known as DHEA, has gained significant attention as a supplement that claims to combat aging, enhance physical performance, and improve overall health. As one of the most abundant hormones in the human body, DHEA plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. However, understanding the science behind DHEA supplementation, its potential benefits, and associated risks is essential before considering its use.
What Is DHEA?
DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, which are small organs located above your kidneys. This hormone serves as a precursor to other important hormones in your body, particularly testosterone and estrogen. In simpler terms, DHEA acts as a building block that your body uses to create these sex hormones.
Your body’s natural production of DHEA follows a predictable pattern throughout life. DHEA levels typically peak during your mid-20s to early 30s and then gradually decline as you age. By the time you reach 70 to 80 years old, your DHEA levels may be only 10-20% of what they were during your youth. This natural decline has led researchers and supplement manufacturers to explore whether replacing DHEA through supplementation might offer health benefits.
Synthetic DHEA supplements are available in various forms, including tablets, capsules, powders, topical creams, and gels. These supplements are sold over-the-counter in the United States, though regulations vary in other countries.
How DHEA Functions in Your Body
DHEA works through multiple pathways in your body. Once produced by the adrenal glands or consumed as a supplement, DHEA circulates through your bloodstream and can be converted into androgens (male hormones) and estrogens (female hormones) in various tissues throughout your body.
This hormone plays several important roles, including:
- Supporting immune system function
- Influencing mood and mental well-being
- Contributing to energy metabolism
- Affecting bone density and muscle mass
- Participating in the stress response system
The conversion of DHEA into other hormones doesn’t happen uniformly throughout the body. Different tissues have varying abilities to convert DHEA, which explains why supplementation might affect different people in different ways.
Claimed Benefits of DHEA Supplementation
Proponents of DHEA supplementation suggest it may offer various health benefits. However, it’s important to understand that many of these claims are not fully supported by robust scientific evidence.
Anti-Aging Effects
One of the most popular claims about DHEA is its potential as an anti-aging supplement. The theory suggests that maintaining youthful DHEA levels through supplementation might slow age-related decline. Some small studies have indicated that DHEA might improve skin hydration, firmness, and reduce age spots in older adults. However, larger, more comprehensive studies have not consistently demonstrated significant anti-aging benefits regarding cognitive function, overall well-being, or body composition.
Depression and Mood Disorders
Research suggests that DHEA supplementation might have some benefit for individuals experiencing depression, particularly those with naturally low DHEA levels. Some studies have shown DHEA to be more effective than placebo in treating depressive symptoms. However, the evidence is not conclusive enough to recommend it as a first-line treatment, and anyone experiencing depression should consult with healthcare professionals about appropriate treatment options.
Bone Health
The relationship between DHEA and bone health has produced mixed results in research studies. While some studies suggest potential benefits for bone density in older adults with low DHEA levels, other research has not confirmed these findings. More rigorous studies are needed to determine whether DHEA supplementation truly helps prevent or treat osteoporosis.
Sexual Health and Menopause Symptoms
Limited research indicates that DHEA, particularly in topical form, might help address vaginal dryness and atrophy in postmenopausal women. Some women report improvements in sexual function and comfort with DHEA use, though results vary significantly between individuals.
Athletic Performance and Muscle Strength
Despite claims that DHEA can enhance athletic performance and build muscle mass, most scientific studies have not supported these assertions. Research generally shows that DHEA supplementation has minimal to no effect on muscle strength or physical performance in both younger and older adults. The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) has banned DHEA use among college athletes, classifying it as a performance-enhancing substance, though evidence for its effectiveness in this regard is lacking.
Potential Side Effects and Health Risks
DHEA supplementation is not without risks. Because DHEA is a hormone that can be converted into other hormones, it can cause various side effects and health concerns.
Hormonal Side Effects
Since DHEA increases androgen levels in the body, it can produce androgenic side effects, including:
- Oily skin and acne
- Hair loss or thinning on the scalp
- Unwanted facial or body hair growth in women (hirsutism)
- Deepening of the voice in women
- Menstrual irregularities
- Breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia)
- Testicular shrinkage or reduced sperm production in men
Cancer Risk Concerns
One of the most serious concerns about DHEA supplementation involves hormone-sensitive cancers. Because DHEA can be converted into estrogen and testosterone, it may potentially stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive cancers, including:
- Breast cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometrial cancer
If you have any history of these cancers or are at increased risk, DHEA supplementation is strongly discouraged.
Cardiovascular Concerns
Research suggests that DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, commonly known as “good” cholesterol. This effect could potentially increase cardiovascular risk, particularly in people who already have high cholesterol or heart disease. Individuals with ischemic heart disease or other cardiovascular conditions should avoid DHEA supplements.
Mental Health Effects
DHEA supplementation may worsen certain psychiatric conditions. It can potentially trigger or exacerbate symptoms in people with mood disorders, including increasing the risk of manic episodes in individuals with bipolar disorder. Anyone with a history of mental health conditions should consult with their healthcare provider before considering DHEA.
Who Should Avoid DHEA Supplements
Certain groups of people should not use DHEA supplements due to safety concerns:
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women: DHEA can affect hormone levels in ways that might harm fetal development or nursing infants
- People with hormone-sensitive cancers: Anyone with current or past breast, prostate, ovarian, or endometrial cancer should avoid DHEA
- Individuals with heart disease: Those with cardiovascular conditions or high cholesterol should not use DHEA due to its effects on HDL cholesterol
- People with liver disease: DHEA is processed by the liver, and supplementation might worsen liver conditions
- Individuals with psychiatric disorders: DHEA can affect mood and potentially trigger psychiatric symptoms
- People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): DHEA might worsen symptoms related to elevated androgen levels
Drug Interactions with DHEA
DHEA can interact with various medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness or causing adverse effects. Important interactions include:
Psychiatric Medications
DHEA may reduce the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications and could cause problematic symptoms when combined with certain antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), potentially leading to manic symptoms. It may also interfere with lithium, a medication used for bipolar disorder.
Seizure Medications
DHEA can potentially reduce the effectiveness of certain anti-seizure medications, increasing the risk of seizures in people with epilepsy or seizure disorders.
Hormone Medications
Combining DHEA with estrogen or testosterone therapy can lead to excessive hormone levels, causing various symptoms including nausea, headaches, insomnia, and other hormonal side effects.
Sedatives
When combined with certain sedative medications, DHEA might enhance sedative effects, potentially causing excessive drowsiness and affecting breathing and heart rate.
If you’re taking any medications, it’s crucial to consult with your healthcare provider before starting DHEA supplementation.
Dosage and Quality Considerations
If you’re considering DHEA supplementation after consulting with a healthcare provider, understanding proper dosing and quality issues is important.
Typical Dosages
DHEA supplements are available in various strengths, typically ranging from 10 mg to 50 mg or higher. However, there is no established optimal dose for most conditions. Studies have used varying doses depending on the condition being studied and the individual’s characteristics.
Starting with the lowest effective dose is generally recommended to minimize potential side effects. Some healthcare providers recommend having your DHEA levels tested before and during supplementation to monitor your response.
Quality Control Issues
A significant concern with DHEA supplements is quality control. Studies have shown that the actual DHEA content in supplements can vary considerably from what’s listed on the label. Some products contain significantly more or less DHEA than claimed, while others may contain contaminants or unlisted ingredients.
When selecting a DHEA supplement, look for products that have been third-party tested by organizations such as USP (United States Pharmacopeia), NSF International, or ConsumerLab. These certifications help ensure the product contains what it claims and is free from harmful contaminants.
Natural Ways to Support Healthy Hormone Levels
Rather than relying on supplementation, several lifestyle factors can help support your body’s natural hormone production:
- Regular exercise: Both resistance training and aerobic exercise can support healthy hormone levels
- Adequate sleep: Quality sleep is essential for hormone regulation
- Stress management: Chronic stress can affect hormone production; practices like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing may help
- Balanced nutrition: Eating a diet rich in whole foods, healthy fats, and adequate protein supports hormone production
- Maintaining a healthy weight: Body composition affects hormone levels and metabolism
- Limiting alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with hormone production
The Current Scientific Consensus
The scientific community remains cautious about recommending DHEA supplementation for most people. While DHEA might offer some benefits for specific conditions, such as certain cases of adrenal insufficiency or lupus, these uses typically require medical supervision.
Major medical organizations and health authorities generally do not recommend DHEA supplementation for anti-aging purposes or athletic performance enhancement due to insufficient evidence of benefits and potential for serious side effects.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate DHEA as a drug but as a dietary supplement, meaning it doesn’t undergo the same rigorous testing for safety and effectiveness as prescription medications. This regulatory status places more responsibility on consumers to make informed decisions and consult healthcare providers.
When to Consult a Healthcare Provider
Before starting DHEA supplementation, consultation with a healthcare provider is essential. This is particularly important if you:
- Have any pre-existing health conditions
- Take any medications or supplements
- Are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance
- Have a family history of hormone-sensitive cancers
- Are considering DHEA for a specific health concern
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether DHEA supplementation is appropriate for your situation, order relevant tests, and monitor your response if you decide to use it.
The Bottom Line
DHEA is a powerful hormone that plays important roles in your body. While the decline in natural DHEA production with age has sparked interest in supplementation, the scientific evidence supporting most claimed benefits remains limited and inconsistent.
The potential risks and side effects of DHEA supplementation are significant and well-documented. These include hormonal side effects, increased cancer risk in susceptible individuals, cardiovascular concerns, and interactions with various medications. The quality control issues with supplements add another layer of concern.
For most people, the risks of DHEA supplementation likely outweigh the potential benefits. Focusing on proven strategies for healthy aging—including regular exercise, balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, stress management, and maintaining social connections—offers safer and more reliable approaches to wellness.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you or are considering DHEA for a specific health condition, work with a qualified healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual situation, order appropriate tests, and guide you toward evidence-based treatment options that are safe and effective for your needs.
Remember that no supplement can replace a healthy lifestyle, and the promise of a “quick fix” for aging or declining health is rarely supported by solid science. Making informed decisions based on current evidence and professional medical advice is the best approach to managing your health as you age.
Sources:
- Mayo Clinic – DHEA
- National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health – DHEA
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements – DHEA
- MedlinePlus – DHEA
- National Library of Medicine – DHEA Research Studies
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions related to your health.
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