Dhea
Also known as dehydroepiandrosterone, dhea, prasterone
Key takeaways
- DHEA may improve outcomes in women undergoing assisted reproduction (PMID: 38837771, 26608695).
- Intravaginal DHEA is licensed in the EU for vulvovaginal atrophy (PMID: 36300276).
- DHEA supplementation can increase testosterone concentrations in elderly women (PMID: 33220453).
What the research shows
AI-synthesized from 30 peer-reviewed sources · Updated 2025
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor hormone used primarily to address age-related hormonal decline and fertility issues. Research indicates potential benefits for assisted reproduction and vaginal atrophy, though evidence for general anti-aging or metabolic claims is mixed.
By condition
Assisted Reproduction/Infertility
Moderate
Meta-analyses suggest DHEA may improve outcomes for women undergoing assisted reproduction, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve.
Vulvovaginal Atrophy
Moderate
Intravaginal DHEA is effective for treating moderate to severe genitourinary symptoms of menopause.
Hypopituitarism
Weak
DHEA may improve psychological well-being in patients on maintenance growth hormone replacement.
Metabolic/Anti-aging
Weak
Evidence is insufficient to support significant benefits for systemic lipolysis or general protein metabolism in healthy aging adults.
Effective doses
Specific dose ranges were not detailed in the provided abstracts, though administration varies by route (oral vs. intravaginal).
Safety & interactions
DHEA acts as a hormone precursor; users should be aware of its impact on testosterone and estrogen levels. Consult a physician regarding hormonal contraindications.
Limitations
Many studies have small sample sizes (e.g., N=30) and inconsistent results regarding metabolic benefits. There is a need for more high-quality, long-term RCTs to establish safety and efficacy for general anti-aging.
Top-rated Dhea products
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How it's sold
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Research evidence
Showing top 10 of 30 sources, sorted by quality
BACKGROUND: Practitioners in the field of assisted reproductive technology (ART) continually seek alternative or adjunct treatments to improve ART outcomes. This Cochrane review investigates the adjunct use of synthetic versions of two natu…
BACKGROUND: Infertility is a condition affecting 10% to 15% of couples of reproductive age. It is generally defined as "the failure to achieve a clinical pregnancy after 12 months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse". The trea…
**Li et al., 2025** | Ann Med | Meta Analysis Li Xuanling, Zhao Qian, ... Xu Lianwei. The auxiliary effect of oral nutritional supplements on fertility in women with diminished ovarian reserve: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Ann Med…
BACKGROUND: Despite the fact that numerous clinical studies have evaluated the positive effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and on the body mass index (BMI), more evidence is needed to cer…
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) concentration decreases with age, therefore, DHEA has been considered a hormone that reduces the symptoms associated with aging, so the usefulness of DHEA in premenopausal and postmenopausal women, and the opti…
CONTEXT: Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and T hormones are advertised as antiaging, antiobesity products. However, the evidence that these hormones have beneficial effects on adipose tissue metabolism is limited. OBJECTIVE: The objective of …
CONTEXT: Chronic pharmacological glucocorticoid (GC) use causes substantial morbidity from protein wasting. GH and androgens are anabolic agents that may potentially reverse GC-induced protein loss. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to assess th…
BACKGROUND: Blood testosterone concentrations in women decline during the reproductive years and reach a nadir in the seventh decade, after which concentrations increase and are restored to those of reproductive-aged women early in the eigh…
Total testosterone is considered to be decreased during the use of combined oral contraceptives. There is, however, considerable concern about the quality of testosterone assays, especially at low levels. We aimed to confirm testosterone le…
**Brooke et al., 2006** | J Clin Endocrinol Metab | Rct Brooke Antonia M, Kalingag Leonila A, ... Monson John P. Dehydroepiandrosterone improves psychological well-being in male and female hypopituitary patients on maintenance growth hormon…
Frequently asked questions
What is DHEA and what is it primarily used for?
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor hormone often used to address age-related hormonal decline and fertility issues. While it is marketed for anti-aging, research indicates its benefits are mixed for general metabolic health, though it shows moderate evidence for improving outcomes in assisted reproduction and treating vaginal atrophy.
Does DHEA help with fertility or diminished ovarian reserve?
Yes, there is moderate evidence suggesting DHEA may improve outcomes for women undergoing assisted reproduction, particularly those with diminished ovarian reserve. However, because it acts as a hormone precursor, you should consult a physician regarding its use for fertility to ensure it is appropriate for your specific hormonal profile.
Can DHEA treat menopause symptoms like vaginal dryness?
Intravaginal DHEA has moderate evidence supporting its effectiveness for treating moderate to severe genitourinary symptoms of menopause, such as vaginal atrophy. It is licensed in the EU for this purpose, but you should discuss with your healthcare provider to determine the correct administration route and dosage for your needs.
Does DHEA work for anti-aging or weight loss?
Evidence for DHEA's benefits regarding general anti-aging, systemic lipolysis, or protein metabolism in healthy aging adults is weak. Research is insufficient to support significant benefits for these claims, so you should not rely on it for weight loss or general anti-aging without consulting a medical professional.
What are the safety risks and side effects of taking DHEA?
DHEA acts as a hormone precursor and can impact testosterone and estrogen levels, potentially causing hormonal imbalances. Because of these effects, it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should avoid it unless directed by a physician.
Who should avoid taking DHEA supplements?
You should avoid DHEA if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a history of hormone-sensitive cancers without explicit medical approval. Additionally, because it alters hormone levels, anyone on medications that affect hormonal pathways should consult a healthcare provider before use to avoid adverse interactions or complications.
Are there any known drug interactions with DHEA?
No drug interactions have been documented in the provided evidence summary. However, since DHEA influences testosterone and estrogen levels, it is crucial to consult a physician before combining it with other hormonal therapies or medications to ensure safety and avoid unintended physiological effects.