Some people use DHEA supplements to boost their sex drive, build muscle, fight the effects of aging, and improve some health conditions. But there isn’t much evidence for many of these claims. Taking these supplements has some risks, too.
Here’s a rundown of what science actually says about DHEA supplements and what you need to know about their safety.
What Is DHEA?
DHEA stands for dehydroepiandrosterone. It is a hormone made by your adrenal glands, which are located just above your kidneys.
Scientists don’t know everything DHEA does. But they do know that it works as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Precursors are substances that your body turns into active hormones.
DHEA production peaks in your mid-20s. In most people, DHEA levels gradually decline with age.
Testosterone and estrogen levels also generally decline with age. DHEA supplements can boost the level of these hormones. That’s why a number of claims have been made about their potential health benefits.
Those claims range from benefits such as:
- Supporting adrenal gland function
- Strengthening the immune system
- Slowing natural changes in the body that come with age
- Boosting your energy and sex drive
- Improving mood and memory
- Building up bone and muscle strength
What are DHEA supplements?
DHEA supplements are human-made versions of the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone. You can find them as:
- Tablets
- Capsules
- Creams or gels you put on your skin
- Powder
DHEA supplements are made in a laboratory.
Who needs to take DHEA supplements?
Doctors usually recommend DHEA supplements for women who have adrenal insufficiency, says Sasha Hakman, MD, a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist at HRC Fertility in Beverly Hills, California. Primary adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which your body makes too little cortisol and aldosterone (ALD). ALD is a hormone that helps keep your blood pressure in check.
“Supplementation is particularly helpful in this case, if there are persistent symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, or depression, despite adequate treatment for the disease,” Hakman says.
Health Benefits of DHEA Supplements
People use DHEA supplements for a wide range of potential benefits, from antiaging to athletic performance. But we need more research to know whether these supplements can benefit your health.
Can DHEA supplements help with antiaging?
Because DHEA levels fall with age, some researchers think taking DHEA supplements might help fight aging. And some small studies have found positive antiaging effects from the use of DHEA supplements. But a similar number of studies have reported no effect.
DHEA supplements don’t seem to affect the aging process.
Also, researchers don’t know enough about the long-term effects of DHEA use. There’s some concern that using DHEA supplements for long periods could be harmful.
Can DHEA supplements help with weight loss?
A version of DHEA supplement known as 7-Keto has been widely promoted as an aid for lowering body fat and boosting metabolism. The idea is that leaner body tissue and higher metabolism will burn calories more efficiently, making it easier to not only lose weight but also keep it off.
Unfortunately, most of the studies have shown little effect from DHEA in losing weight or increasing metabolism.
Can DHEA supplements improve athletic performance?
DHEA supplements are sometimes used by athletes because of a claim that DHEA can improve muscle strength and athletic performance. That’s because DHEA is a prohormone, a substance that can increase the level of steroid hormones such as testosterone.
There’s little evidence to show that DHEA has any effect on boosting muscle strength. Its use is banned by sports organizations such as the National Football League, Major League Baseball, and the National Collegiate Athletic Association.
There are risks associated with using any pre-steroid enhancer. And the higher the dose, the greater the risk. Possible side effects include:
- Permanent stunting of growth
- Aggressive behavior, known as “roid rage”
- Mood swings and other psychological symptoms
- Higher blood pressure
- Liver problems
- Changes in cholesterol levels
Since DHEA can increase testosterone and estrogen levels, women who use DHEA can sometimes experience such side effects as:
Men can sometimes experience such symptoms as:
- Breast enlargement
- Shrunken testicles
- Reduced sperm production
Using DHEA Supplements for Health Conditions
DHEA supplements show some promise for easing mild to moderate depression. But we need more research.
In a small, six-week study, researchers from the National Institute of Mental Health found that treatment with DHEA supplements helped relieve mild to moderate depression in some middle-aged people. DHEA may also be effective for improving aging skin.
As for other conditions, the evidence is unclear whether DHEA has any significant benefit in treating conditions such as:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Low bone density
- Heart disease
- Cervical cancer
- Myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome
- Crohn’s disease
- Infertility
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Schizophrenia
- Sexual dysfunction
There’s little evidence to support claims that DHEA has value in treating conditions such as fibromyalgia, addressing issues with memory or muscle strength, or enhancing and stimulating the immune system.
Are DHEA Supplements Safe?
We need more research to know whether DHEA supplements are safe. The FDA has only approved one form of DHEA to treat menopause symptoms. Although some dietary supplements contain DHEA, they’re not regulated by the FDA. That means the supplements could have other ingredients that aren’t listed and may not be safe or effective. Never take DHEA supplements without talking to your doctor.
Side effects and risks of taking DHEA supplements
Possible side effects of DHEA supplements include:
- Oily skin, acne, and skin thickening
- Hair loss
- Upset stomach
- High blood pressure
- Changes in your menstrual cycle
- Facial hair growth and deepening voice in women
- Fatigue
- Nasal congestion
- Worsening certain mental health conditions
- Headache
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Insomnia (when you can’t get good sleep)
- Lower HDL (“good” cholesterol) levels
Some of these side effects happen because DHEA can raise the testosterone and estrogen levels in your body. Experts warn that we don’t know enough about the long-term effects of increased hormone levels.
Taking DHEA also comes with other risks. It may raise your risk of certain cancers, such as ovarian, breast, and prostate cancer. It also interacts with medications and substances and can make them less effective. Don’t take DHEA if you also take:
- Estrogen
- Testosterone
- Some medications used to treat seizures or bipolar disorder, such as carbamazepine, lithium, and valproic acid
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitorsv(SSRIs)
- Triazolam (Halcion)
If you’re pregnant or nursing, don’t take DHEA supplements.
Recommended dosages for DHEA supplements
In general, you can take up to 50 milligrams of DHEA per day for up to two years. Only take it under your doctor’s guidance.
When Should You Talk to Your Doctor About DHEA Supplements?
If you’re thinking of using DHEA supplements, talk to your doctor first. Many of the claims for DHEA involve serious medical conditions. These conditions need to be examined and treated by a health care professional. Taking DHEA supplements also comes with side effects and other risks. A doctor can tell you whether it’s OK to try DHEA.
Takeaways
DHEA is a hormone your body makes naturally. DHEA levels peak in your mid-20s and decline as you age. DHEA supplements can help raise these levels. People claim the supplements can improve your mood, energy, and sexual health, among other benefits, but we need more research to know for sure.
DHEA supplements aren’t FDA-approved. Take them only under your doctor’s guidance.
FAQs About DHEA Supplements
Here are some commonly asked questions about DHEA and DHEA supplements.
How does DHEA affect the menstrual cycle?
There isn’t much research on how DHEA supplements can affect your menstrual cycle. Experts don’t think DHEA significantly changes menstrual patterns. But if you take high doses of DHEA, it may affect your hormone levels. This may cause irregular periods in women who usually have a typical cycle.
Is it possible to overdose on DHEA?
Yes. Taking too much DHEA can worsen the potential risks and side effects.
How long does it take DHEA to work?
Because there isn’t much research on DHEA supplements, it’s hard to say how long it may take to work. It also depends on your body, what you’re taking it for, how much you’re taking, and how often. For example, if you’re taking it to ease menopause symptoms, you may see results in four weeks. But if you’re taking it for adrenal insufficiency, you may not see results for up to six months.Your doctor can tell you what to expect.
