DHEA

    Written by:
    Nick Milazzo, Peter Woznik

    Fact-checked

    by:

    Nick Milazzo
    Last Updated: June 20, 2024

    DHEA is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It’s a precursor to (i.e., is made into) estrogen and testosterone, and can exert weak benefits on its own. As an “antiaging” or performance enhancing supplement, its benefits are inconsistent.

    Overview

    Dosage information

    DHEA has been studied at dosages of 25–200 mg/day, with dosages of 50–100 mg/day being more frequently examined.[1][2][3]

    A subgroup analysis in one meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that dosages of over 50 mg/day resulted in higher testosterone levels than less than 50 mg/day.[2] However higher dosages of DHEA are likely to result in higher levels of estrogens as well.[4]

    Frequently asked questions

    Update History

    Small correction

    minor

    Research written by

    Nick Milazzo