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

Arlt W. DHEA replacement therapy. *Best Pract Res Clin Endocrinol Metab.* 2006.

(2006). PMID: 16670164

Nair KS et al. DHEA in elderly women and DHEA or testosterone in elderly men. *N Engl J Med.* 2006.

(2006). PMID: 16571093

Labrie F et al. Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (prasterone) for vaginal atrophy.

PMID: 23042808

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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