DHEA
Commonly used for
Healthy Aging
Where to Buy
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The cheapest product is usually low quality, but more expensive doesn’t always mean better.
What is it? / Overview
Wellness uses some people report: anti-aging, as a 'fountain of youth' hormone. This is anecdotal, and there isn't strong clinical evidence that it works for everyone. DHEA is an adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. While levels decline with age, current evidence does not support DHEA supplementation as a general healthy-aging intervention in people with normal adrenal function — meaningful benefit appears limited to specific, physician-supervised contexts.
How is it used? / Administration
Form: Micronized DHEA
Typical dose studied: 25–50 mg/day (lower end for most people)
Timing: Morning, to mimic the body's natural circadian pattern
Informational only — not actively recommended for any symptom or goal. Best used under physician direction with appropriate lab monitoring, not self-directed based on symptoms.
How well does it work? / Evidence
? Emerging / limited evidence
Who should avoid it?
Avoid with: Cancer — active or within past 12 months; Benign prostatic hyperplasia / Enlarged prostate; PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
Interacts with: Hormonal birth control; Anticoagulants (Warfarin)
Already taking it? This is a hormone precursor, not a general wellness supplement. Current evidence does not support DHEA as a routine healthy-aging supplement in people with normal adrenal function — offered here for education only; use should be physician-directed with baseline and follow-up hormone testing.
Research & references
Elraiyah T et al. Benefits and harms of systemic DHEA in postmenopausal women with normal adrenal function: systematic review and meta-analysis. Jethwani P et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate supplementation in health and diseases.
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