DHEA: What It Does, Who Might Need It, and How to Use It Safely

Thinking about DHEA? You’re not alone. DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone your body makes in the adrenal glands. People take it as a supplement for low energy, low sex drive, mood problems, or age-related decline in hormones. The evidence is mixed, but some folks do notice benefits. Here’s a straight, practical guide so you can make a smarter choice.

What DHEA does and who may benefit

DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. That means it can raise sex hormones, which helps some people with low libido, fatigue, or adrenal insufficiency. It’s also used in certain autoimmune conditions and by older adults hoping to improve mood and energy. If you have documented low DHEA or DHEA-S levels, a clinician may suggest replacement. Avoid guessing—testing first makes changes measurable and safer.

Dosage, timing, and common side effects

Typical over-the-counter doses range from 5 mg to 50 mg daily. Many start low—5–10 mg—and increase only if needed and monitored. Common side effects are acne, oily skin, hair growth, mood swings, and changes in menstrual cycles. Because it alters sex hormones, DHEA can worsen hormone-sensitive conditions like breast, prostate, or uterine cancers. Men can see higher testosterone; women can see more facial hair or voice deepening at higher doses.

Get blood tests before starting and after 6–12 weeks if you use DHEA. Doctors usually check DHEA-S, testosterone, and estradiol so they can adjust dose or stop the supplement if levels get too high.

Interactions matter. DHEA may affect blood sugar, interact with hormone therapies, and could change how well some drugs work. If you’re on anticoagulants, diabetes meds, or hormone treatments, talk to your prescriber first.

Quality varies a lot between brands. Look for third-party testing (USP, NSF, or an independent lab), clear labeling of dose and form, and a reputable manufacturer. Avoid supplements that make dramatic claims like "cures" or "restores youth"—those are red flags.

Practical tips: start low, test first, keep track of any mood or skin changes, and set a trial period (6–12 weeks) to evaluate benefit. If you don’t notice clear improvement or if side effects appear, stop and check your labs. Pregnant or breastfeeding people should not use DHEA without strict medical supervision.

Want more detail? SuperPill Pharmacy Guide has in-depth articles on dosing, lab interpretation, and safe supplement sourcing. Use those resources, and always loop in a clinician before you change hormone-related treatments.