Hormone Support
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA-S (sulfated form), Prasterone, DHEA (Female Fertility)
DHEA is an endogenous adrenal hormone and precursor to testosterone and estrogen, with declining levels in aging. Supplementation aims to restore youthful hormone levels and support energy, mood, and sexual function.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations DHEA 5 mg | 92 A | $0.23 |
| 2 | Pure Encapsulations DHEA 10 mg | 92 A | $0.21 |
| 3 | Pure Encapsulations DHEA 25 mg | 92 A | $0.34 |
| 4 | Pure Encapsulations 7-KETO DHEA 50 mg | 91 A | $0.78 |
| 5 | Pure Encapsulations 7-KETO DHEA 100 mg | 91 A | $1.57 |
| 6 | Pure Encapsulations 7-KETO DHEA 25 mg | 91 A | $0.47 |
| 7 | Double Wood DHEA Supplement | 87 A | $0.14 |
| 8 | Life Extension DHEA | 87 A | $0.11 |
| 9 | NutraBio DHEA (100mg) | 87 A | $0.33 |
| 10 | NutraBio DHEA (25mg) | 87 A | $0.14 |
| 11 | Bluebonnet Nutrition INTIMATE ESSENTIALS DHEA 50 mg | 85 A- | $0.28 |
| 12 | Bluebonnet Nutrition INTIMATE ESSENTIALS DHEA 25 mg | 85 A- | $0.23 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) should I take?
The typical range is 25-50 mg daily (some use up to 100 mg; higher doses increase side effect risk). Effects typically apparent within 2-4 weeks; most long-term studies used 6-12 months. Hormone levels should be monitored periodically.
When should I take DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Morning, with breakfast. Take with fat-containing food for absorption.
Which form of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is best?
Micronized capsules — Pharmaceutical grade. Other forms in the catalog: Compounded, Capsule, Tablet, Micronized powder.
Is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) safe?
Commonly reported: Acne or oily skin, Mood changes or irritability, Hair loss or excess hair growth, Sleep disturbance, Mild headache.
Which DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations DHEA 5 mg, at 92/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Diminished ovarian reserve
- IVF support
- Egg quality
- Ovarian aging
- Energy and stamina
- Mood and cognitive function
- Sexual function
- Bone health support
- Body composition
- Age-related decline mitigation
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) reached a verdict on: 3 with a benefit, 3 with no effect, 1 with harm reported, 3 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (3)
“Vaginal estrogen, vaginal DHEA, oral ospemifene, and vaginal moisturizers may improve some GSM symptoms in the short term.” PMID 39250810
“DHEA supplementation decreased circulating cortisol but did not alter adiponectin, leptin, AST, and ALT levels.” PMID 34342920
“The present meta-analysis of intervention studies shows that DHEA supplementation in elderly men can induce a small but significant positive effect on body composition that is strictly dependent on DHEA conversion into its bioactive metabolites such as androgens or estrogens.” PMID 23824417
Reviews found no effect (3)
“Overall, this systematic review does not support a beneficial effect of DHEA therapy on cognitive performance in postmenopausal women.” PMID 37788418
“DHEA supplementation decreased circulating cortisol but did not alter adiponectin, leptin, AST, and ALT levels.” PMID 34342920
“Overall, supplementation with DHEA did not change circulating values of TC, LDL-C and TG, whereas it may decrease HDL-C levels.” PMID 32675010
Harm reported (1)
“Overall, supplementation with DHEA did not change circulating values of TC, LDL-C and TG, whereas it may decrease HDL-C levels.” PMID 32675010
Not enough to say: ivf outcomes; fertility in diminished ovarian reserve; bone mineral density.
1 finding from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) is not shown here.
How it works
- Testosterone and estrogen precursor
- Immune system modulation
- Mitochondrial energy support
- Neurosteroid signaling
Dosage
- Typical range
- 25-50 mg daily (some use up to 100 mg; higher doses increase side effect risk)
- Timing
- Morning, with breakfast
- With food
- Take with fat-containing food for absorption
- Duration
- Effects typically apparent within 2-4 weeks; most long-term studies used 6-12 months. Hormone levels should be monitored periodically.
- Special populations
- Women may use lower doses (10-25 mg); avoid in pregnancy and lactation; use with caution in hormone-sensitive conditions
Forms
- Micronized capsules
- Compounded
- Capsule· 70/100
- Tablet· 70/100
- Micronized powder· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Acne or oily skin
- Mood changes or irritability
- Hair loss or excess hair growth
- Sleep disturbance
- Mild headache
Contraindications
- Hormone-sensitive breast cancer
- Prostate cancer or elevated PSA without medical clearance
- Polycystic ovary syndrome without medical supervision
- Pregnancy and lactation
- Uncontrolled hypertension
Products containing DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Moderate-to-good human evidence for specific outcomes (sexual function, mood, bone density) with mixed results. Well-studied compared to most hormonal supplements, but individual responses vary significantly.
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Hormone Support
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.