Dhea
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Evidence Summary
DHEA is an adrenal precursor hormone used primarily for its androgenic and estrogenic effects. Research indicates its utility in reproductive medicine for improving assisted reproduction outcomes and managing menopause-related genitourinary symptoms, though evidence for its anti-aging and metabolic benefits remains mixed.
Evidence by Condition
Meta-analyses suggest DHEA and androgens may improve outcomes for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology and those with diminished ovarian reserve.
Intravaginal DHEA is used to treat vulvovaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
DHEA supplementation has been shown to improve psychological well-being in patients with hypopituitarism.
Evidence regarding DHEA's impact on systemic lipolysis, BMI, and protein metabolism is inconclusive or limited by small study sizes.
Effective Doses
Specific oral dose ranges were not provided in the source text, though intravaginal Prasterone is noted for topical use.
Key Findings
- Androgens such as DHEA can be used as adjunct treatments to improve outcomes in assisted reproduction (PMID: 38837771).
- Intravaginal DHEA is an effective treatment for moderate to severe vulvovaginal atrophy (PMID: 36300276).
- DHEA supplementation improves psychological well-being in male and female hypopituitary patients (PMID: 16849414).
Limitations
Much of the research regarding DHEA's metabolic and anti-aging benefits is based on small sample sizes or lacks definitive evidence for systemic effects. There is also a need for more research on the quality of testosterone assays when DHEA is used alongside oral contraceptives.
Safety & Interactions
As a precursor to androgens and estrogens, DHEA may influence hormone-sensitive conditions; specific drug interactions were not detailed in the provided research.
AI-generated summary from 29 peer-reviewed studies. Not medical advice. Always consult a healthcare provider.
Claims vs. Evidence
| Claim Type | % of Products | Evidence Required | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| All Other | 99% | Tier D (Unclassified) | ✅ Supported |
| Structure/Function | 72% | Tier C (DSHEA Structure/Function (no pre-approval)) | ✅ Supported |
| Nutrient | 2% | Tier D (Unknown) | ✅ Supported |
| No Claim | 0% | Tier D (No claim on label) | ✅ Supported |
Research by Topic
Research Evidence (30)
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 naturally prod...
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 treatment of i...
**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. 2025-Dec...
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 certify that ...
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 options of hor...
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 the study ...
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 the effect o...
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 eighth decade....
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 levels measu...
**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 hormone replacem...
Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a locally metabolised estrogen and androgen precursor, licensed in 2018 in the EU for moderate to severe vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women. A literature search revealed four original trials sui...
**Zhu et al., 2023** | Reprod Biol Endocrinol | Systematic Review Zhu Fengya, Yin Shao, ... Che Deya. TEAS, DHEA, CoQ10, and GH for poor ovarian response undergoing IVF-ET: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. Reprod Biol Endocrinol. 2023-J...
Because so much medical and media attention has been drawn to the alleged benefits of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate ester (DHEAS), it is important to evaluate the effects of replacement therapy objectively using double blind, cross-ov...
**Labrie et al., 2009** | Menopause | Rct Labrie Fernand, Archer David, ... Balser John. Effect of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (Prasterone) on libido and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2009;16(5):923-31. doi:10.1097/gm...
BACKGROUND: DHEA-S and cortisol and their ratio are important determinants of some physiological and psychological function during aging. The present study aimed to determine the effect of eight weeks of pilates training on diurnal salivary cortisol,...
**Nouveau et al., 2008** | Maturitas | Rct Nouveau Stéphanie, Bastien Philippe, ... de Lacharriere Olivier. Effects of topical DHEA on aging skin: a pilot study. Maturitas. 2008-Feb-20;59(2):174-81. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2007.12.004 OBJECTIVES: Deh...
**Mendivil et al., 2009** | Actas Urol Esp | Systematic Review Mendivil Dacal Jesús M, Borges Valeria M. [Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), review of its efficiency in the managing of the libido decrease and other symtoms of aging]. Actas Urol Esp. 2009...
**Nissen et al., 2003** | J Appl Physiol (1985) | Meta Analysis Nissen Steven L, Sharp Rick L. Effect of dietary supplements on lean mass and strength gains with resistance exercise: a meta-analysis. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2003-Feb;94(2):651-9 The pu...
OBJECTIVE: Menopause is often accompanied by an age-associated hormonal decline, increased blood pressure (BP), and poor body composition, which may collectively increase risks for cardiovascular disease. It is important to combat the negative effect...
PURPOSE: Many people experience aging-related losses in different physical domains, which leads to a condition often called physical frailty (PF). The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of two different, 28-weeks, class chair-exercise proto...
BACKGROUND: A double blind clinical trial was performed to evaluate whether the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)-specific serum markers and metabolic parameters would change in the women with PCOS during the three-month administration of oligopin. ME...
Clomiphene citrate (CC) in male hypogonadism increases testosterone (T) and estrogen levels by stimulating pituitary gonadotropin release. Our group confirmed these hormonal changes in a randomized, cross-over, double-blind trial of CC versus placebo...
PURPOSE: Topical minoxidil (MNX) 2%-5% and oral finasteride (F) 1 mg/day are the only two pharmacological treatments authorized for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Recently, a 2.2 mg/mL topical formulation of F was developed to minimize the systemic adv...
BACKGROUND: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive age and the most common cause of infertility due to anovulation. PCOS in adolescents is concerning. Nigella sativa is effective in improving gonadotrop...
BACKGROUND: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders in reproductive-age women caused by hyperinsulinemia. The portfolio Moderate-carbohydrate diet (PMCD) is a plant-based diet with a carbohydrate content of 40% a...
Memory consolidation is enhanced by post-encoding stress via cortisol, although the role of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) remains uncertain. This study investigated the effect of the Maastricht Acute Stress Test (MAST) on psychological and hormonal (...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to illustrate the effect of garlic supplementation on metabolic syndrome (MetS) components in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). METHODS: From 2020 to 2021, a randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted o...
**Brooke et al., 2006** | Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) | Rct Brooke Antonia M, Kalingag Leonila A, ... Monson John P. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) replacement reduces growth hormone (GH) dose requirement in female hypopituitary patients on GH replacement. ...
**Assies et al., 2003** | Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) | Rct Assies J, Haverkort E B, ... Vreken P. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on fatty acid and hormone levels in patients with X-linked adrenoleucodystrophy. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2003...
**Kärkkäinen et al., 2016** | Alcohol | Other Kärkkäinen Olli, Häkkinen Merja R, ... Storvik Markus. Increased steroid hormone dehydroepiandrosterone and pregnenolone levels in post-mortem brain samples of alcoholics. Alcohol. 2016-May;52:63-70. doi:...
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is DHEA and what is it used for?
DHEA is an adrenal precursor hormone that the body uses to produce androgens and estrogens. It is primarily used in reproductive medicine and to manage certain hormone-related symptoms.
Can DHEA help with fertility and pregnancy?
There is strong evidence suggesting that DHEA may improve outcomes for women undergoing assisted reproductive technology and those with diminished ovarian reserve. It is often used as an adjunct treatment in reproductive medicine.
Does DHEA help with menopause symptoms?
There is moderate evidence that intravaginal DHEA can be used to treat vulvovaginal atrophy and sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. However, its effectiveness for other systemic menopause symptoms is less certain.
Can DHEA improve mood or mental health?
There is moderate evidence that DHEA supplementation can improve psychological well-being in patients with hypopituitarism. This benefit has been observed in both male and female patients.
Does DHEA help with weight loss or anti-aging?
There is currently weak evidence regarding DHEA's impact on weight, BMI, or protein metabolism. Research in these areas remains inconclusive due to small study sizes.
Is DHEA safe to take, and who should avoid it?
Because DHEA is a precursor to hormones like estrogen and testosterone, it may influence hormone-sensitive conditions. Individuals with such conditions should consult a doctor, as specific safety details for all populations are not fully documented.
Are there any drug interactions with DHEA?
There are currently no documented drug interactions for DHEA in the available research. However, you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
What is the recommended dose of DHEA?
Specific oral dose ranges were not provided in the current research summary. While topical intravaginal Prasterone is used for specific treatments, you should only use DHEA under medical supervision.
Answers generated from research evidence. Not medical advice.