DHEA Supplements for Women: Benefits & Safety

DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone your body naturally produces, but as we age, levels decline. That sparked interest in DHEA supplements for a wide range of benefits, including improving mood and energy, in addition to skin and bone health. But how effective (and safe) are they? Let’s take a closer look.

What is Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, by the ovaries and testes. It’s used by the body to make testosterone and estrogen.

The body uses DHEA to make testosterone and estrogen, the male and female sex hormones, respectively. Sex steroids like DHEA play an important role in the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty and reproduction in both sexes.

DHEA levels peak between puberty and the mid-20s. With age, DHEA production in the body slows down, and serum DHEA levels decline. By the time individuals reach their 70s and 80s, their DHEA levels are approximately 10 to 20% of what they were in their 20s.

What Is DHEA-S?

DHEA-S is short for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or DHEA sulfate/DHEA sulphate. This is the sulfate ester of dehydroepiandrosterone.

A blood test can be done to measure dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate concentrations in blood.

A high DHEA-S level can point to conditions such as an adrenal tumor or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A low DHEA-S level may indicate Addison’s disease (primary adrenal insufficiency).

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Potential Health Benefits

A synthetic version of DHEA is available in the form of dietary supplements. People take a DHEA supplement to slow the aging process, improve cognitive function, enhance physical performance, and treat various health conditions.

More evidence is needed to conclude whether DHEA is safe for long-term use or effective in treating various conditions.

Adrenal Insufficiency

Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the body’s adrenal glands do not make enough hormones, such as DHEA and cortisol.

A 2009 review of studies found that taking DHEA supplements improves the quality of life of women with adrenal insufficiency.

Another clinical trial concluded that DHEA improves well-being and sexual function in women with adrenal insufficiency.

However, more research is necessary to establish the safety and efficacy of DHEA supplements, especially with long-term use.

If you have been diagnosed with adrenal insufficiency, talk to your doctor about taking DHEA supplements. Do not take any dietary supplements without consulting your provider.

Anti-Aging

As mentioned above, DHEA levels decline with age. This has led some researchers to study whether taking DHEA supplements could slow the aging process.

There is some evidence that DHEA supplements may decrease bone loss and improve sex drive in postmenopausal women above 70 years of age. However, study results are mixed.

Other studies have found that DHEA supplementation for 2 years has no effect on bone density or muscle strength.

It also does not alter insulin sensitivity or improve overall quality of life in men and women over 60.

Skin Health

Small studies have shown that DHEA supplements may improve collagen production and skin hydration, slow age-related skin thinning, and improve the appearance of aging skin.

Depression

Studies suggest that DHEA supplements can help improve symptoms in people with major depressive disorder.

It’s important to seek care from a mental health professional. Just as with other health conditions, talking with a healthcare professional is the first step if you are interested in using DHEA supplements.

HIV (human immunodeficiency virus)

People with HIV have declining levels of DHEA as the disease progresses. Small studies have shown that taking DHEA supplements may help to improve cognitive function in men and women with HIV. However, it is unknown if dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate has any effect on immune function.

Menopausal Symptoms

DHEA supplementation in peri- and postmenopausal women may result in improved libido and sexual function, increased bone mineral density due to androgenic effects on bone metabolism, and overall improved well-being and quality of life.

This supplement is commonly used by symptomatic perimenopausal women to relieve menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and decreased sex drive. However, study results on its effectiveness are conflicting.

Notably, many women use DHEA supplements, believing DHEA does not raise the risk of breast cancer and endometrial cancer, unlike traditional hormone replacement therapy, which does increase cancer risk slightly. However, it is unknown whether DHEA can similarly raise the risk of certain cancers. It is not well understood whether DHEA increases or decreases the risk of prostate cancer in men.

Metabolic Syndrome

Metabolic syndrome is a group of conditions that increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Randomized clinical trials suggest that DHEA supplementation may decrease certain risk factors for metabolic syndrome, such as insulin resistance, arterial stiffness, and inflammation.

Muscle Strength and Body Composition

Research on the effects of DHEA on muscle strength, body fat percentage, lean body mass, and physical performance in young and old adults has yielded mixed results. Most studies suggest DHEA supplements have no effects.

Obesity

Animal studies suggest DHEA supplementation may lead to weight loss in overweight subjects. However, human studies have shown conflicting results. It appears that DHEA supplements do not change body weight, but may have beneficial effects on LDL (low -density lipoprotein), also known as the “bad” cholesterol, and body composition in some people.

Osteoporosis

There is some evidence that DHEA supplements reduce bone loss in postmenopausal women over 70. However, the effects of DHEA on bone mineral density are not seen in younger (premenopausal) women and men.

Sexual Health

More research is needed, but one study suggests that DHEA supplements may improve sex drive in older women over 70.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system attacks healthy tissues. Researchers have found that dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may decrease the frequency of lupus flare-ups, improve cognitive function, increase bone mass, and reduce the need for medication in women with lupus. This can result in an improved quality of life. However, increasing DHEA levels with supplementation does not change the course of the disease.

Erectile Dysfunction

One study has shown that DHEA administration helps men with erectile dysfunction obtain and sustain an erection. This may be because the body uses DHEA to make testosterone. However, further research is needed on oral DHEA therapy as a treatment for erectile dysfunction.

Other Health Conditions

DHEA supplementation has been studied in people with a number of different health conditions, including eating disorders like anorexia nervosa, diminished ovarian reserve, infertility, inflammatory bowel disease, dementia, schizophrenia, and cocaine withdrawal. More research is needed on the safety and efficacy of DHEA administration for these conditions.

Safety of DHEA Usage

Is DHEA Safe To Take Daily?

Although DHEA supplements may provide some benefits, there is no clear consensus on whether you should take them daily, particularly if your DHEA levels are already within the normal range.

The primary reason for this uncertainty is that scientific evidence on the subject is still mixed.

If you are considering DHEA supplements, it is best to consult with your primary care provider. They can test your DHEA levels and offer guidance on whether supplements are appropriate for you, taking into account your health history.

While there is much uncertainty about whether DHEA supplements are effective or safe to take daily, one known fact is that this supplement is considered an anabolic steroid, which is regarded as a banned substance by college and professional sports organizations. Therefore, you should not use DHEA if you are a professional athlete.

Common Side Effects

DHEA supplementation can cause oily skin, acne, and hirsutism (unwanted male pattern hair growth) in women. Other signs of masculinization in women taking DHEA can include deepening of the voice and weight gain around the waist.

In men, DHEA supplementation can lead to high testosterone levels, shrinking of the testicles, male pattern baldness, anger and aggression, high blood pressure, and an increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.

Risks of DHEA Use

Potential risks of DHEA supplementation include:

Hormonal imbalance due to increased levels of adrenal androgens and altered steroid biochemistry. The effects of DHEA are exerted by its binding to the androgen receptor and/or estrogen receptor (ER) after it is converted to androgen or estrogen.
Worsening of conditions such as endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Increased risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and prostate cancer.
Decreased levels of HDL (high-density lipoprotein or good cholesterol), which has a protective effect against cardiovascular disease.
Worsening symptoms of psychiatric disorders, including mania.
Potential for liver injury.
Increased insulin resistance in people with diabetes. Animal studies suggest DHEA interacts with insulin-like growth factor 1 in the brain.

Who Should Not Take DHEA?

The following should not take DHEA supplements:

Children.
Women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
People who have cancer, psychiatric disorders, high cholesterol, heart disease, or liver disease.
Cancer patients, and those with a history or high risk of hormone-related cancers, such as uterine, breast, and prostate cancer.

Note: People under 40 should consult their healthcare provider before taking DHEA supplements, but it is not generally recommended to take DHEA if you are under 40.

Regulatory Status of DHEA

Organizations such as the National Football League, the National Collegiate Athletic Association, and the International Olympic Committee have banned the use of DHEA among athletes.

In many countries around the world, DHEA is a controlled anabolic steroid. However, it is not a controlled substance in the U.S. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has allowed DHEA in dietary supplements.

Dosage Guidelines

What Is A Good DHEA Level For Women?

Your doctor can do a blood test to check serum dehydroepiandrosterone levels and assess the need for DHEA supplementation. This test may be done as part of serum endocrine profiles (blood tests for hormone levels). If you are on DHEA supplementation, get a serum dehydroepiandrosterone level checked every 6 months.

Your doctor can measure DHEA with a blood test. This test is important to get every 6 months if you're considering or already taking DHEA supplements.

Typical normal ranges for females are:

Ages 18–29: 45–320 µg/dL
Ages 30–39: 40–325 µg/dL
Ages 40–49: 25–220 µg/dL
Ages 50–59: 15–170 µg/dL
Age 60 and up: under 145 µg/dL

Typical normal ranges for males are:

Ages 18–29: 110–510 µg/dL
Ages 30–39: 110–370 µg/dL
Ages 40–49: 45–345 µg/dL
Ages 50–59: 25–240 µg/dL
Age 60 and older: below 204 µg/dL

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different specimens.

DHEA Dosage and Forms

The usual dose is 50 mg to 100 mg per day. DHEA supplements are available in the following forms:

Capsules
Tablets
Sublingual drops
Chewing gum
Topical creams and gels

It is sold as prasterone tablets and capsules, Intrarosa vaginal insert, and Prastera (200 mg prasterone and ibuprofen).

Drug Interactions

DHEA supplements can interact with prescription drugs and over-the-counter medications, putting you at risk of serious adverse effects. Potential interactions include: