The strongest evidence for DHEA is for increasing estrogens and androgens (e.g., testosterone) in women over 60, and for improving postmenopausal symptoms.[1][2][3] However, DHEA might also increase testosterone levels in younger (<60 years old) populations.[1] While the evidence that DHEA supplementation increases androgens is fairly consistent,[4][3][5][6] the evidence that DHEA supplementation increases estrogens is as consistent, if not more so.[3][5][6] However, these androgen and estrogen increases tend to be small; DHEA supplementation has had no clinical effect on muscle strength, muscle size, fat loss,[7][8][9] or sexual function in older men.[5]
What are DHEA’s main benefits?
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•Last Updated: May 16, 2025
DHEA primarily benefits women over age 60 by increasing estrogens and androgens and particularly improves postmenopausal symptoms, but it may also raise testosterone levels in younger individuals. However, the increases in hormone levels are generally small, and supplemental DHEA has not shown significant clinical effects on muscle strength, size, fat loss, or sexual function in older men.