DHEA
Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone, Prasterone, Androstenolone, 3β-Hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one
Lower numbers = closer to natural. Higher numbers = more enhanced.
Why this rating?
DHEA is an endogenous adrenal steroid hormone, Wikipedia calls it one of the most abundant circulating steroids in humans and a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the androgen and estrogen sex steroids. It is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement in the US. As a hormone precursor it is only a weak partial agonist at the androgen receptor and conversion to testosterone in healthy young men is limited, so its performance effect is modest; evidence is strongest in deficiency, ageing and women. Rated 2 as a hormone-precursor ancillary: but note it IS on the WADA prohibited list, so it is banned for tested athletes.
Overview
An endogenous steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, gonads and brain, and one of the most abundant circulating steroids in humans. DHEA is a precursor ("parent") hormone: it is a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of both the androgen and estrogen sex steroids, converting locally in tissues toward testosterone, DHT and estradiol. In the US it is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement and is also available as the drug prasterone.
Purpose & Use Cases
Age-Related / Deficiency Support
DHEA levels fall with age; supplementation is used for adrenal insufficiency and age-related decline. Evidence is strongest in genuine deficiency, less so in healthy young adults.
Hormone Precursor
Used to modestly nudge androgen/estrogen levels via peripheral conversion, the basis of its "prohormone" reputation.
Women's Health / Vaginal Atrophy
The prescription form prasterone (Intrarosa, a 6.5 mg vaginal insert) is approved for menopausal vaginal atrophy / painful intercourse.
Benefits
- Restores a hormone that declines with age
- Serves as a precursor to both androgens and estrogens via local tissue conversion
- Neurosteroid activity (NMDA/GABA-A modulation)
- Prescription form approved for menopausal vaginal atrophy
- Well tolerated at typical supplement doses
Good to Know
A parent hormone, not a finished steroid
DHEA is an endogenous adrenal steroid that the body converts toward testosterone, DHT and estradiol in tissues. On its own it is only a weak androgen-receptor agonist, so its effects depend heavily on age, sex and baseline hormones, which is why the evidence is strongest in deficiency and ageing rather than in healthy young men.
OTC in the US: but still banned for tested athletes
DHEA is sold over the counter as a dietary supplement in the United States (grandfathered as an "Old Dietary Ingredient" and exempted from the Anabolic Steroid Control Acts). Despite that, it IS on the WADA Prohibited List: as prasterone it is a prohibited anabolic agent, and high-profile athletes (e.g. LaShawn Merritt) have been sanctioned for it. Legal to buy does not mean legal to compete on.
Modest evidence: mind the marketing
Wikipedia states there is "no scientific evidence" to support DHEA's marketed cancer-prevention claims, and evidence for many of its other proposed anti-ageing/health benefits is similarly limited. Treat DHEA as a mild hormone-precursor supplement, not a performance drug.
Dosage Guidelines
| Experience Level | Dosage Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner | 25 – 50 mg/day |
| Intermediate | 50 – 100 mg/day |
| Advanced | 100 – 200 mg/day |
Per the prasterone literature: adrenal insufficiency is typically 20-50 mg/day and general supplementation 10-100 mg/day, with clinical studies ranging 20-1,600 mg/day (higher doses are not advised for casual use). Oral bioavailability is ~50% and metabolism is hepatic. Effect on testosterone in healthy young men is modest; monitor hormones (including estradiol) if using higher doses.
DHEA itself is rapidly cleared (~25 minutes), while its sulfate ester DHEA-S (~7-11 hours; estimates vary by source) acts as a circulating reservoir that converts back to DHEA in peripheral tissues.
Side Effects
Androgenic Effects (Acne, Oily Skin, Facial Hair)
uncommonFrom conversion to androgens; more noticeable in women and at higher doses.
Lower the dose; discontinue if bothersome.
Estrogenic Effects
uncommonDHEA converts toward estrogens, which can raise estradiol, relevant in men (gyno risk at high doses) and post-menopausal women.
Keep doses modest; monitor estradiol; an AI is rarely needed at supplement doses.
Hormone-Sensitive Tissue Caution
uncommonBecause it raises sex steroids, caution is warranted with hormone-sensitive conditions (e.g. prostate, breast).
Avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers; discuss with a clinician.
General Mitigation Strategies
Use the lowest effective dose. Because DHEA converts to both androgens and estrogens, monitor for androgenic (acne, oily skin) and estrogenic effects, and check estradiol if using higher doses. Avoid with hormone-sensitive conditions. Note that Wikipedia states there is "no scientific evidence" to support DHEA's marketed cancer-prevention claims, and evidence for many of its other anti-ageing/wellness claims is similarly weak.
Post Cycle Therapy (PCT)
At typical supplement doses DHEA does not require PCT; it is a weak precursor with only mild HPTA effects. Very high, prolonged dosing could suppress the axis and would warrant bloodwork.
How It Works
DHEA is a prohormone that is converted in peripheral tissues into androgens (testosterone, DHT) and estrogens (estradiol), an "intracrine" precursor role. In its own right Wikipedia describes it as a weak partial agonist of the androgen receptor (Ki ~1 μM), a ligand of the estrogen receptors (a full agonist of ERβ), and a neurosteroid that positively modulates NMDA receptors and negatively modulates GABA-A receptors. Because much of its action depends on downstream conversion, effects vary with age, sex and baseline hormone status.
Hormonal & Androgenic Profile
Not an anabolic steroid per se: a weak partial androgen-receptor agonist (Ki ~1 μM) that acts largely by peripheral conversion to testosterone/DHT and estrogens.
DHEA is a precursor that can convert toward estrogens, so estradiol can rise, especially at higher doses, usually manageable by keeping the dose modest rather than adding an AI.
Generally minimal at supplement doses; effects on lipids are modest and inconsistent in the literature.
Fundamentals
Reference on the practices relevant to DHEA: how they are done and where they go wrong. Not a recommendation to use it.
Legal Status
Over-the-counter dietary supplement in the USA (grandfathered "Old Dietary Ingredient," specifically exempted from the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990 and 2004); also available as the prescription medication prasterone (e.g. Intrarosa).
Legal status varies by country and changes over time. This is a general summary, not legal advice.
WADA Status
DHEA/prasterone IS on the WADA Prohibited List and banned from use in athletic competition under the World Anti-Doping Code. Athletes sanctioned for it include LaShawn Merritt (2010, track and field, 21-month ban), Rashard Lewis and O.J. Mayo (NBA suspensions), and Yulia Efimova (swimming). It is prohibited at all times as an anabolic agent/prohormone, despite being an OTC supplement in the US.