DHEA Sulfate
HRT MEMBERS ONLY
INDICATIONS FOR USE
DHEA is used to treat adrenal insufficiency, improve sexual function, and enhance overall well-being. It is also utilized off-label for anti-aging purposes, improving bone density, and treating depression or fatigue in postmenopausal women.
ROUTE OF ADMINISTRATION
Oral tablets or capsules.
Creams or suppositories
FORMULATIONS AND PRICING
| Medication | Formulation | Price |
|---|---|---|
| DHEA SR Capsules | 10mg (#30 / #60 / #90) | $42 / $66 / $99 |
| DHEA / Pregnenolone Capsules | 50mg-50mg Capsules (#30/#60#90)) | $47 / $75 / $113 |
| DHEA / Testosterone Cream | 50mg-40mg/gm (30/60g) | $47 / $75 |
| DHEA / Estradiol Suppository | 25mg-1.25mg (#30/#60/#90) | $90 / $180 / $270 |
COMMON INITIAL DOSING REGIMENS
Initial doses range from 25–50 mg daily, taken in the morning to mimic natural DHEA production. Lower doses (10–25 mg) are often used for anti-aging purposes.
MECHANISM OF ACTION
DHEA serves as a precursor to androgens and estrogens, converting to testosterone or estradiol in peripheral tissues. It exerts mild androgenic and estrogenic effects, influencing mood, energy, and overall hormonal balance.
COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Endocrine: Acne, oily skin, and hair thinning due to androgenic effects.
Metabolic: Mild weight gain or fluid retention.
Reproductive: Changes in menstrual cycle patterns in premenopausal women.
Rare: High doses may suppress endogenous hormone production or increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Absolute: Known hormone-sensitive cancers, such as breast or ovarian cancer.
Relative: Use with caution in women with PCOS, severe liver dysfunction, or significant androgen sensitivity.
MORE INFORMATION
FDA Safety Data Sheet not available.
Nenezic N. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA): Pharmacological Effects and Potential Therapeutic Application. Mini Rev Med Chem. 2023 [PubMed Link]
Rabijewski M. Supplementation of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in pre- and postmenopausal women - position statement of expert panel of Polish Menopause and Andropause Society. Ginekol Pol. 2020 [PubMed Link]
Hu Y. Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Complement Ther Med. 2021 [PubMed Link]
Kushnir VA. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on sexual function in premenopausal infertile women. Endocrine. 2019 [PubMed Link]
Li Y. A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials. Exp Gerontol. 2020 [PubMed Link]
Zhu Y. The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on estradiol levels in women: A dose-response and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Steroids. 2021 [PubMed Link]
Xie M. Impact of dehydroepianrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on serum levels of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1): A dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Exp Gerontol. 2020 [PubMed Link]
Strac DS, Konjevod M, Perkovic MN, Tudor L, Erjavec GN, Pivac N. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its Sulphate (DHEAS) in Alzheimer's Disease. Curr Alzheimer Res. 2020 [PubMed Link]