DHEA

Updated June 29, 2026

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the adrenal cortex, with smaller contributions from the gonads and brain. It is the most abundant circulating steroid in the human body in young adulthood, present at concentrations 10 to 20 times higher than cortisol. DHEA acts as a prohormone, converting peripherally to testosterone, oestradiol, and other androgens and oestrogens in a tissue-specific manner — meaning that the conversion happens where it is needed rather than flooding the systemic circulation with sex hormones uniformly. This tissue-selective conversion is a key reason DHEA supplementation tends to produce milder hormonal effects than direct testosterone or oestrogen administration.

The decline of DHEA is one of the most predictable features of human aging. Peak production occurs around age 25 to 30. By age 50, levels have typically dropped by 50 percent. By age 70, levels are 80 to 90 percent below peak. This process, called adrenopause, correlates in observational studies with reduced muscle mass, increased fat deposition, lower libido, decreased bone density, impaired immune function, and reduced sense of wellbeing. The correlation does not prove causation, but interventional trials add weight to the relationship.

Human supplementation trials show several consistent benefits. Bone density improves in postmenopausal women and older men supplementing 50 to 100 mg per day, with femoral neck density increases measurable after 12 months. Muscle mass and strength modestly improve in older adults. Sexual function and libido improve in both men and women with low baseline DHEA, with the effect in women particularly well-documented. Skin hydration and sebum production improve in women over 60, consistent with DHEA's role in skin androgen signalling. Mood and wellbeing improvements are reported in most quality-of-life trials, though the effect is stronger in people with clinically low baseline levels.

Dosing is typically 25 to 50 mg per day for general antiaging support, taken in the morning to align with the natural cortisol-DHEA rhythm. Women tend to be more sensitive and often do well at 25 mg or less. Baseline blood testing before starting is strongly advised, since supplementing DHEA in someone with already-normal or high levels adds little benefit and increases the risk of androgenic side effects (acne, oiliness, hair thinning) in women and potentially oestrogen-related effects in men. DHEA is available over the counter in the United States but is a controlled substance in some European countries. This is general information, not medical advice. Hormone supplementation warrants clinician oversight.