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DE
Hormone

DHEA

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. The body converts it into sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogens.

Also listed as DEHA, DEAH, DHAE, Pradesterone

Hair & SkinBone & JointImmune SupportFertilityStress & Mood

Menopausal symptoms and sexual function

A 2015 Cochrane review of 28 trials, mostly in postmenopausal women, found no improvement in quality of life and uncertainty about overall menopausal symptoms. Sexual function may improve slightly across routes, but the oral-only subgroup did not show a statistically significant benefit. 1

Does raising a low level restore youthful function?

A two-year trial enrolled 87 older men and 57 older women with low DHEAS, the sulfate form of DHEA. DHEA did not improve muscle strength, insulin sensitivity or quality of life. Some bone-density measurements improved, but those findings do not establish fracture prevention or longer life. 2

Bone densityToo little evidence

Some bone-density gains in older adults do not establish fracture prevention. 2

A different question in adrenal insufficiency

The Endocrine Society suggests a monitored six-month DHEA trial for selected women with primary adrenal insufficiency and persistent low libido, depressive symptoms or low energy despite optimized replacement treatment. It advises discontinuation without sustained benefit. This is a specific medical setting. 3

Effects by health goal

Open an effect to see the studies behind its rating. Bars show the size of the effect; the letter grades the evidence.

Hair & Skin1 effect

Skin textureHair & SkinModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Bone & Joint1 effect

Bone densityBone & JointModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Immune Support1 effect

Immune SupportModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Fertility1 effect

Pregnancy PrepFertilityModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Stress & Mood2 effects

Mood SupportStress & MoodModerateBNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Chronic StressStress & MoodSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Men's Hormones1 effect

Testosterone SupportMen's HormonesSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Fitness1 effect

Muscle RecoveryFitnessSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Weight Management1 effect

MetabolismWeight ManagementSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Cognition1 effect

Mental EnergyCognitionSmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Longevity1 effect

Cellular health & agingLongevitySmallCNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · medium confidenceEvidence record

Adverse findings

Ratings where the reported effect was unfavourable.

Testosterone BalanceMen's HormonesStrongFNo linked study

No study is linked to this rating.

Rated by SuppCo · high confidenceEvidence record

Sources