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DHEA

Evidence: ★★★☆☆ · Status: OTC Supplement, Prescription

💡 Did you know? DHEA is the 'mother hormone' your adrenal glands make — your body converts it into both testosterone and estrogen, and it peaks in your 20s then falls.

In plain English

A raw material your body turns into sex hormones. Refilling it helps older people whose levels crashed; does little for young men who already have plenty.

How it works

Adrenal precursor upstream of both testosterone and estradiol; declines ~80% by age 70. Supplementation raises downstream hormones mainly in older adults and women.

Molecular target & official sources

DHEA (PubChem CID 5881) · AR (NCBI Gene)

Protocol

25–50 mg (men 40+), 10–25 mg (women).

Watch out

Androgenic effects in women; WADA-banned; caution in hormone-sensitive cancers.

Bottom line

For the 50+ with low DHEA-S, not young athletes.

Helps with: Hormones & Testosterone · Bone Health

Stacks with

Shares a pathway — often paired with: Omega-3 (EPA/DHA), Vitamin D3 (+ K2), Testosterone (TRT), Finasteride / Dutasteride.

Availability & where to buy

Prescription only. Prescription-only — a doctor must prescribe it. Not sold over the counter. (In Singapore: HSA-regulated.)

How it works: the Nuclear receptors pathway →

Compare DHEA

Common questions

Does DHEA actually work?

Human-evidence rating: 3 of 5. For the 50+ with low DHEA-S, not young athletes.

How do you take DHEA?

25–50 mg (men 40+), 10–25 mg (women).

What are the risks or side effects of DHEA?

Androgenic effects in women; WADA-banned; caution in hormone-sensitive cancers.

Is DHEA legal or approved?

Regulatory status: OTC Supplement, Prescription.