Dehydroepiandrosterone
Pronunciation: dee-HYD-ree-oh-ep-ee-AN-droh-STER-own.
- Generic name
- Dehydroepiandrosterone
- Brand names
- DHEA, Endosterol, Prastera, DHEA 25, Biovea DHEA, Steron
- Drug class
- Adrenal steroid hormone
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States
Australia: · Full directory
What Dehydroepiandrosterone is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how Dehydroepiandrosterone works
DHEA is an endogenous steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal cortex. It serves as a metabolic precursor to androgens (such as testosterone) and estrogens. DHEA exerts its effects by being converted into these active sex hormones in peripheral tissues. It may modulate immune function, mood, and energy metabolism through both direct and indirect pathways.
What Dehydroepiandrosterone is used for
Hormone replacement therapy
Hormone replacement therapy
Adrenal insufficiency
Adrenal insufficiency
Before taking Dehydroepiandrosterone
Do not take / not appropriate for
- known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancies (breast, prostate, endometrial cancer), pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe hepatic impairment. (Contraindication)
Tell your clinician about
How to take Dehydroepiandrosterone
- General Instructions: Take DHEA exactly as directed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed recommended doses.. Adult Dosing: Typical adult doses range from 25 mg to 50 mg once daily, but dosing may vary based on condition and individual response.. Pediatric Dosing: Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established. Use in children only under specialist supervision.. Administration: Take with or without food, preferably at the same time each day. Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water.. When To Stop: If you experience serious side effects or new or worsening symptoms, seek medical advice promptly; let the clinician you see advise on whether to continue or stop DHEA.. Storage: Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician.
Missed dose
If you forget a dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice on what to do next. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include severe hormonal side effects, agitation, or rapid heartbeat.
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Acne
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hair loss
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Oily skin
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Hirsutism (in women)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Voice deepening (in women)
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Menstrual irregularities
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Mood changes
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Insomnia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Gynecomastia (breast tissue development in men)
Incidence: Reported in an independent professional monograph as a predictable hormonal effect
Decreased HDL ('good') cholesterol and elevated blood pressure
Incidence: Reported in an independent professional monograph
Mania or hypomania (with or without prior psychiatric history), more likely at higher doses
Incidence: Reported in an independent professional monograph
Serious warnings
Not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding — serious
Symptoms: Not recommended for use in pregnancy or breastfeeding. May worsen hormone-sensitive conditions such as certain cancers. Can interact with medications for diabetes, depression, and heart disease. Monitor for signs of androgenic effects, especially in women. Long-term safety and effectiveness are not well established.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindications include known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancies (breast, prostate, endometrial cancer), pregnancy, breastfeeding, and severe hepatic impairment. Caution is advised in patients with cardiovascular disease, psychiatric disorders, and those at risk for hormone-related adverse effects.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated.
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Estrogen or testosterone therapy | An independent professional monograph advises avoiding this combination, as DHEA may enhance the adverse/toxic effects of estrogen or testosterone therapy. | (2) |
| Insulin, corticosteroids, other hormone therapies, antidepressants, and drugs affecting liver enzymes | DHEA may interact with medications such as insulin, corticosteroids, hormone therapies, antidepressants, and drugs affecting liver enzymes. It may also increase the risk of side effects when combined with other supplements or herbal products. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medicines and supplements you are taking. | |
| Progesterone laboratory tests | Supraphysiologic DHEA-S levels can cause false-positive elevated results on certain serum progesterone assays; tell the laboratory or clinician ordering hormone tests that you take DHEA. | (2) |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
Not recommended in pregnancy. Safety data are lacking and use is not established; DHEA's hormonal activity could plausibly affect fetal development. Anyone pregnant or planning pregnancy should ask their healthcare provider before use.
Breastfeeding
Not recommended while breastfeeding. Safety data during lactation are lacking, so a risk-benefit discussion with a healthcare provider is needed before use.
Children
Frequency: Not applicable. Weight Based: Not recommended for pediatric use. Max Daily Dose: Not applicable. Max Single Dose: Not applicable. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children
Renal_impairment
Hepatic impairment: contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment per the clinician record. Renal impairment: dedicated renal-dosing data were not found in either the clinician record or the independent professional monograph reviewed; anyone with kidney disease should ask their healthcare provider before use rather than assume a standard dose is appropriate.
Hepatic_impairment
Hepatic impairment: contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment per the clinician record. Renal impairment: dedicated renal-dosing data were not found in either the clinician record or the independent professional monograph reviewed; anyone with kidney disease should ask their healthcare provider before use rather than assume a standard dose is appropriate.
Monitoring
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Hormone replacement therapy
Dose summary: 25 mg to 50 mg orally once daily, may be adjusted based on clinical response.
Renal context: No dedicated renal-impairment dosing data were found in the clinician record or the independent professional monograph reviewed for this research pass. The clinician record does specify contraindication in severe hepatic impairment; for renal impairment, clinicians should apply general caution and individualise dosing pending direct evidence. (2)
Frequently asked questions
What is DHEA used for?
DHEA is used as a supplement for adrenal insufficiency, certain infertility treatments, and sometimes for symptoms of aging, low bone density, or mood disorders. Its effectiveness for many uses is still under research.
Is DHEA safe for long-term use?
Long-term safety of DHEA is not well established. Prolonged use may increase the risk of hormone-related side effects and certain cancers. Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider is recommended.
Can DHEA help with weight loss or muscle building?
There is limited evidence supporting DHEA for weight loss or muscle building. It is not approved for these uses and may cause side effects.
Who should not take DHEA?
People with hormone-sensitive cancers, severe liver disease, or those who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use DHEA.
Does DHEA interact with other medications?
Yes, DHEA can interact with medications for diabetes, depression, hormone therapies, and others. Always consult your doctor before starting DHEA.
How quickly does DHEA work?
Effects may be noticed within a few weeks, but benefits and side effects can vary. Some conditions may require longer use to assess effectiveness.
Is a prescription required for DHEA?
In the US, DHEA is available over-the-counter as a supplement. In Australia, the UK, and some other countries, it may require a prescription.
What happens if I take too much DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Taking excessive DHEA can lead to hormonal imbalances, potentially manifesting as acne, hair loss, or mood changes. In severe cases, it may exacerbate underlying conditions. If you suspect an overdose, seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to self-treat or adjust your dosage without consulting a healthcare professional.
Can I drink alcohol while taking DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
While there isn't a direct contraindication, alcohol consumption can impact hormone metabolism and potentially interfere with the therapeutic effects of DHEA, an adrenal steroid hormone. Excessive alcohol intake may also place additional stress on the liver. It is advisable to discuss alcohol consumption with your healthcare provider to understand personalized risks.
Is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) safe during pregnancy?
DHEA is categorized as 'Consult Doctor' during pregnancy, indicating that its safety has not been definitively established. Due to its hormonal effects, DHEA could potentially impact fetal development. Therefore, it is crucial to consult your healthcare provider immediately if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding before using DHEA.
What is the mechanism of action of Dehydroepiandrosterone?
DHEA is an endogenous steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal cortex. It serves as a metabolic precursor to androgens (such as testosterone) and estrogens. DHEA exerts its effects by being converted into these active sex hormones in peripheral tissues. It may modulate immune function, mood, and energy metabolism through both direct and indirect pathways.
What is the generic name of Dehydroepiandrosterone?
The generic name is Dehydroepiandrosterone. It is sold under brand names including DHEA, Endosterol, Prastera, DHEA 25, Biovea DHEA, Steron.
What class of drug is Dehydroepiandrosterone?
Dehydroepiandrosterone is classed as: Adrenal steroid hormone.
References
- DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) clinician-authored medicine recordMedGuideGlobal · International · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 1
- Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Naturopathic Professional MonographDrugs.com · United States · accessed 2026-08-06 · source 2
- GLP-4TE HOMO (AACG-A, AACG-B, ADENOSINUM CYCLOPHOSPHORICUM, BERBERINUM, CALCAREA CARBONICA, CINCHONA OFFICINALIS, CHOLINUM, COLIBACILLINUM CUM NATRUM MURIATICUM, CURCUMA LONGA, METHYLCOBALAMIN, DNA, FERRUM METALLICUM, PANAX GINSENG, L-GLUTAMIC ACID, HEPAR SUIS, HYPOTHALAMUS SUIS, INDOLUM, INSULINUM (HUMAN), IODIUM, LYCOPODIUM CLAVATUM, MAGNESIA CARBONICA, L-METHIONINE, PANCREAS SUIS, STOMACH (SUIS), ZINCUM METALLICUM, 7-OXO-DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE-3B-ACETATE) LIQUID [DESERET BIOLOGICALS, INC.] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 3
- Prasterone Vaginal — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Dehydroepiandrosterone — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 3143)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient Dehydroepiandrosterone names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Eurovital NutraceuticalsEurovital Nutraceuticals
- LifeLinkLifeLink
- AN Amazing Nutrition Amazing FormulasAN Amazing Nutrition Amazing Formulas
- Vitamin WorldVitamin World
- Puritan's PridePuritan's Pride
- Designs for HealthDesigns for Health
- NutraBioNutraBio
- VMI Sports Black SeriesVMI Sports Black Series
- Biotics Research CorporationBiotics Research Corporation
- NutricostNutricost