What is DHEA?
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands, which the body converts into androgens like testosterone and into estrogen. Its stored form, DHEA-S, is the most abundant steroid hormone in the blood. Levels peak in your twenties and fall with age. High DHEA-S can point to an adrenal source of excess androgens.
What DHEA does
DHEA is a building block. On its own it is weak, but tissues turn it into testosterone and estrogen as needed. Before menopause, the ovaries make most estrogen; after menopause, much of the remaining estrogen and androgen comes from DHEA converted in fat, skin and other tissues.
When DHEA is tested
- Irregular periods with acne or extra hair growth, to check for PCOS or an adrenal cause
- Very high levels, which can rarely signal an adrenal tumor
- Some fertility clinics measure it in people with low ovarian reserve
DHEA supplements: what the evidence says
| Use | Evidence |
|---|---|
| IVF with low ovarian reserve | some small trials suggest a modest benefit; reviews call the evidence low quality |
| Vaginal DHEA (prasterone) for menopause dryness | approved in the US and UK for painful sex after menopause |
| Mood, energy, anti-aging | no convincing benefit in good trials |
Oral DHEA is sold as a supplement in the US but is prescription-only in the UK and many other countries. Side effects can include acne, oily skin, hair growth and mood changes, and it can interact with hormone-sensitive conditions. See also androgens.
Talk to a doctor before taking DHEA, especially if you are trying to conceive, have PCOS, or have a history of hormone-sensitive cancer. Supplement strength and purity vary.
Frequently asked questions
Does DHEA help you get pregnant?
It is sometimes used in IVF for low ovarian reserve, but the evidence is weak and mixed. It is not recommended for most people trying to conceive.
Is DHEA the same as DHEA-S?
DHEA-S is the sulfated, stored form. Blood tests usually measure DHEA-S because its level is more stable through the day.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: DHEA-sulfate test
- Nagels HE et al. Androgens (DHEA or testosterone) for women undergoing assisted reproduction. Cochrane Database Syst Rev (2015)
This page is for information only and isn鈥檛 medical advice. If something worries you, please talk to a doctor.
Keep reading
Androgens: definition and meaningAndrogens are hormones like testosterone and DHEA that everyone makes. What they do in women, how they link to PCOS, and signs your levels may be high.
Testosterone in women: definition and meaningTestosterone is not just a male hormone. What it does in women, how it shifts around ovulation, and what high or low levels can mean for mood and libido.
Ovarian reserve: definition and meaningOvarian reserve is the number of eggs left in your ovaries. How AMH and follicle counts estimate it, what it can and can't predict, and how age affects it.
What is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)?PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) is a common hormone condition causing irregular periods, high androgens and ovulation problems. Signs, diagnosis and care.PCOS (now also called PMOS) and your cyclePCOS, now also called PMOS, explained: the common signs, how doctors diagnose it, what it does to your cycle and mood, and what helps day to day.