What is the recommended dose of DHEA?

- **Adrenal insufficiency:** 25-50mg/day (physician-supervised) - **Postmenopausal support:** 10-25mg/day - **Vaginal atrophy:** 6.5mg intravaginal (prescription) - **Depression adjunct:** 50-100mg...

Is DHEA safe to take daily?

DHEA is rated "Prescription Interactions" based on clinical evidence. - **In women:** Acne, facial hair growth, deepened voice, menstrual irregularity (androgenic effects) - **In men:** Gynecomastia (conversion to estrogen), acne, hair loss - **Both:** Oily skin, mood changes, insomnia - **Hormone-s

Does DHEA interact with any medications?

DHEA has 6 known drug interactions, including interactions with Estrogen therapy / HRT, Testosterone therapy, Tamoxifen / aromatase inhibitors. Check with your doctor before combining with prescription medications.

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Ingredient Research

Graded against 173,636 supplements + 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, NIH DSLD

DHEA

MODERATE EVIDENCESupplementLast updated April 2026

AVELOR SUMMARY

DHEA is a steroid hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands, levels peak at age 25 and decline approximately 2% per year. Our research shows moderate evidence for adrenal insufficiency treatment and vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women, but limited evidence for anti-aging, exercise performance, or testosterone boosting in healthy adults. It's a hormone, not a vitamin, and inappropriate supplementation can cause significant hormonal disruption.

EVIDENCE GRADES

Adrenal insufficiency (replacement)Strong, established medical use

B+

Vaginal atrophy (intravaginal)Strong, FDA-approved as prasterone (Intrarosa)

B+

Depression (elderly)Moderate, some positive trials

C+

Bone density (postmenopausal)Moderate, modest benefits

C+

Anti-aging / general wellnessWeak, large RCTs mostly negative

C-

Testosterone increase (healthy men)Not supported at standard doses

Exercise performanceNot supported

OPTIMAL DOSAGE

Adrenal insufficiency: 25-50mg/day (physician-supervised)
Postmenopausal support: 10-25mg/day
Vaginal atrophy: 6.5mg intravaginal (prescription)
Depression adjunct: 50-100mg/day
Do NOT self-dose without hormone testing, DHEA is a hormone precursor that converts to both testosterone AND estrogen

Scan a supplement containing DHEA

DRUG INTERACTIONS

Estrogen therapy / HRTSevere

DHEA converts to estrogen; additive estrogenic effects

Testosterone therapySevere

Additive androgenic effects

Tamoxifen / aromatase inhibitorsSevere

DHEA converts to estrogen, directly opposes anti-estrogen cancer therapy

Insulin / diabetes medicationsModerate

DHEA may affect insulin sensitivity; variable effects

CYP3A4 substratesMinor

DHEA is metabolized via CYP3A4; competition possible

LithiumModerate

DHEA may increase lithium sensitivity

SAFETY PROFILE

Drug Interactions

Side Effects

In women: Acne, facial hair growth, deepened voice, menstrual irregularity (androgenic effects)
In men: Gynecomastia (conversion to estrogen), acne, hair loss
Both: Oily skin, mood changes, insomnia
Hormone-sensitive cancers: DHEA may fuel breast, prostate, ovarian, and endometrial cancers via estrogen/testosterone conversion

Pregnancy & Lactation

CONTRAINDICATED, DHEA is a steroid hormone; effects on fetal development unknown but potentially harmful

WADA Status

PROHIBITED, DHEA is on the WADA Prohibited List (anabolic agents)

HOW AVELOR SCORES THIS

Automatic WADA prohibition flag for athletes

Hormone-sensitive cancer screen: if user profile includes breast/prostate/ovarian/endometrial cancer → CONTRAINDICATED

Estrogen/testosterone therapy users: automatic severe interaction alert

Products marketed as "anti-aging" without hormone testing context: flag

Blood test recommendation before and during supplementation

Any product combining DHEA with other hormones (pregnenolone, etc.): flag for complexity

CLINICAL REFERENCES

Reference identifiers on this page are being re-verified against PubMed. Some may not yet link to the paper named beside them.

, Rutkowski K et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone: hypes and hopes.

PMID: 25022952

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Independently graded against 173,636 indexed supplements with 177 published clinical interactions, sourced from PubMed, FDA CAERS, openFDA, and NIH DSLD | Last updated: April 2026

Not medical advice. Based on published clinical research and systematic reviews.

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