Other compounds

DHEA

Also called: dehydroepiandrosterone, prasterone

A hormone the body turns into testosterone and oestrogen.

Why people take it
Ageing, libido, fertility.
What the evidence says
Mixed evidence; a hormone, not a nutrient.
How it is usually taken
Usually 25 to 50 mg a day, only with a doctor's supervision; banned in sport.
Be careful
Acne, hair growth, hormone effects; avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers. Banned in sport.
Medicines it can interact with
Affects hormone treatments, antidepressants and insulin.

Other other compounds

Alpha-lipoic acidResveratrolQuercetinPterostilbeneNMNSpermidineFisetinPQQSulforaphaneDIMMelatoninCaffeine and L-theanineCannabidiol (CBD)Hemp seedBee pollenRoyal jellyPropolisManuka honeyChlorophyllWheatgrass

Common questions

What is DHEA?

A hormone the body turns into testosterone and oestrogen.

Why do people take DHEA?

Ageing, libido, fertility.

Does DHEA work?

Mixed evidence; a hormone, not a nutrient.

How much DHEA do people take?

Usually 25 to 50 mg a day, only with a doctor's supervision; banned in sport.

Is DHEA safe?

Acne, hair growth, hormone effects; avoid with hormone-sensitive cancers. Banned in sport.

Does DHEA interact with medicines?

Affects hormone treatments, antidepressants and insulin.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu.

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