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Overview
Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body products. Advertising revenue supports our
naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce not-for-profit mission.
other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural
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DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you
age. Policy Opportunities Ad Choices

A synthetic version of DHEA is available as a tablet, capsule,

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powder, topical cream and gel.
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Research on DHEA for specific conditions includes:
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Aging. In theory, taking DHEA supplements to maintain DHEA
levels could slow the aging process, possibly improving well-
Mayo Clinic on Digestive Health
being, cognitive function and body composition. But so far
research hasn't proved this to be true. More studies are Mayo Clinic Guide to Arthritis
needed to better understand whether DHEA supplementation
can counteract some of the effects of aging. A small study Time running out - 40% off Online Mayo
suggested that taking DHEA supplements might improve skin Clinic Diet ends soon
hydration and firmness, and decrease aging spots in elderly
adults.
Depression. DHEA might be more effective at treating
depression than placebo, especially in people with low DHEA
levels.
Osteoporosis. Study findings on the effects of DHEA
supplementation in the treatment of osteoporosis are mixed.
More research is needed to determine whether taking DHEA
supplements improves bone density in older adults with low
DHEA.
Vaginal atrophy. Limited research suggests that DHEA might
improve vaginal dryness in postmenopausal women.

Research on the effects of DHEA on muscle strength and physical

performance had mixed results, but most studies indicate DHEA
supplementation has no effect on muscle strength in younger or
older adults. The National Collegiate Athletic Association has
banned DHEA use among athletes.

DHEA might eventually prove to have benefits in treating people

diagnosed with certain conditions, such as adrenal insufficiency
and lupus. However, further studies are needed.

Studies have shown quality control of this supplement to often be

low.

Our take
Avoid
While some research suggests that DHEA might
be slightly helpful in treating depression and
vaginal atrophy, there's little evidence to support
anti-aging claims. Also, DHEA use can cause
serious side effects. Avoid using this supplement.

Safety and side effects

DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might increase levels
of androgen and have a steroid effect. DHEA also might increase
the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, including prostate, breast
and ovarian cancers. If you have any form of cancer or are at risk
of cancer, don't use DHEA.

Don't use DHEA if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Consider avoiding use of DHEA if you have high cholesterol or a

condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart (ischemic
heart disease). DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein
(HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels.

Use of DHEA also might worsen psychiatric disorders and

increase the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders.

DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-
pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).

Interactions
Possible interactions include:

Antipsychotics. Use of DHEA with antipsychotics such as

clozapine (Clozaril, Versacloz, others) might reduce the drug's
effectiveness.
Carbamazepine (Tegretol, Carbatrol, others). Use of DHEA
with this drug used to treat seizures, nerve pain and bipolar
disorder might reduce the drug's effectiveness.
Estrogen. Don't use DHEA with estrogen. Combining DHEA
and estrogen might cause symptoms of excess estrogen, such
as nausea, headache and insomnia.
Lithium. Use of DHEA with lithium might reduce the drug's
effectiveness.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Use of DHEA with
this type of antidepressant might cause manic symptoms.
Testosterone. Don't use DHEA with testosterone. Combining
DHEA and testosterone might cause symptoms such as low
sperm count and enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia) and
the development of typically male characteristics in women.
Triazolam (Halcion). Using DHEA with this sedative might
increase the effects of this drug, causing excessive sedation
and affecting your breathing and heart rate.
Valproic acid. Use of DHEA with this medication used to treat
seizures and bipolar disorder might reduce the drug's
effectiveness.

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Feb. 12, 2021

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