Supplement

DHEA

DHEA is a hormone made by the adrenal glands that the body uses as a raw material for sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogen. People mostly look at it for low sexual desire and sexual dysfunction in women, but the evidence is very limited, and the one small trial of 79 women found no clear difference in libido. Research is thin and the studies were small, so it is hard to say who, if anyone, benefits.

Sources: PMID 15989411

Updated 30 September 2026
How we grade
28 studies cited

Best evidence: Grade C
Conditions studied: 26
Outcomes: 202
Graded outcomes: 00518

Evidence by condition

Strong
Moderate
Limited
Very limited

26 conditions

General Athletic Performance

General Athletic Performance: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Cortisol Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	50 people
Studies that measured cortisol Dhea supplementation and cognition in postmenopausal womenInt J Neurosci · PMID 16393880
	Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		39 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	89 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	145 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	129 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	125 people
	Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	69 people
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
	Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			16 people
	Functionality in Elderly or Injured	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			40 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Dyslipidemia

Dyslipidemia: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Cortisol Small Decrease	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	50 people
Studies that measured cortisol Dhea supplementation and cognition in postmenopausal womenInt J Neurosci · PMID 16393880
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	50 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	50 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	50 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	50 people
Studies that measured serum dhea Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429 Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)

Cognitive Decline: improves
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI): outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Cognitive Decline Small Improvement	Improves (the measure goes down)	Small effect	1 study	27 people
Studies that measured cognitive decline Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and atamestane supplementation on frailty in elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 16804050
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	27 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	27 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	27 people
Studies that measured serum dhea Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429 Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481

Metabolic Health

Blood Flow: improves
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Metabolic Health: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Flow Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		24 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	36 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	36 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	118 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	12 people
Studies that measured serum dhea Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429 Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	60 people
	IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	24 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			130 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			12 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			154 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			24 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			36 people
	Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			142 people

General Cardiovascular Health

Blood Flow: improves
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

General Cardiovascular Health: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood Flow Small Increase	Improves (the measure goes up)	Small effect		24 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	24 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	24 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Blood glucose	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	48 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 12843164
	IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	24 people
Studies that measured igf-1 Lack of dehydroepiandrosterone effect on a combined endurance and resistance exercise program in postmenopausal womenJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 18029465
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
	Insulin	Changes; see studies			24 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people
	Nitric Oxide	Improves (the measure goes up)			24 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			24 people

Bone Health

Bone Mineral Density
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Bone Health: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Bone Mineral Density No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	289 people
Studies that measured bone mineral density Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trialOsteoporos Int · PMID 18084691 A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA supplementation of bone mineral density in healthy adults.Gynecol Endocrinol · PMID 31237150
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	156 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	113 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	289 people
Studies that measured igf-1 Lack of dehydroepiandrosterone effect on a combined endurance and resistance exercise program in postmenopausal womenJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 18029465
	Free Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)			113 people

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)

Bone Mineral Density
Muscle Mass: improves
Subjective Well-Being: improves

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV): outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Bone Mineral Density No effect		NoneNo effect	2 studies	40 people
Studies that measured bone mineral density Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trialOsteoporos Int · PMID 18084691 A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA supplementation of bone mineral density in healthy adults.Gynecol Endocrinol · PMID 31237150
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	40 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	40 people
Studies that measured subjective well-being Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life: the DHEA and Well-Ness (DAWN) TrialJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 18482290

Body Composition

Blood glucose
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Body Composition: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Blood glucose No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	12 people
Studies that measured blood glucose Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 12843164
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	12 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	52 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Bone Mineral Density	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	225 people
Studies that measured bone mineral density Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trialOsteoporos Int · PMID 18084691 A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA supplementation of bone mineral density in healthy adults.Gynecol Endocrinol · PMID 31237150
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	158 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	52 people
	Body Fat	Improves (the measure goes down)			130 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			12 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			12 people
	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people

Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Symptoms
Quality of Life: improves

Fibromyalgia: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Fibromyalgia Symptoms No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	52 people
Studies that measured fibromyalgia symptoms A randomized controlled trial of dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgiaJ Rheumatol · PMID 15996074
	Quality of Life	Improves (the measure goes up)			52 people

Female Sexual Dysfunction

Libido
Testosterone: improves
Serum DHEA: improves

Female Sexual Dysfunction: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Libido No effect		NoneNo effect	1 study	79 people
Studies that measured libido Supplementation with DHEA: effect on muscle size, strength, quality of life, and lipidsJ Womens Health · PMID 15989411
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	79 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	79 people
Studies that measured serum dhea Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429 Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481

Muscle Size Strength

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Muscle Size Strength: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		39 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	89 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	129 people
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	129 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	109 people
Studies that measured serum dhea Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429 Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481
	Cortisol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	50 people
	Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	69 people
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
	Functionality in Elderly or Injured	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			40 people
	Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
	Prostate-Specific Antigen	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
	Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Menopause

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Menopause: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
	Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		31 people
	Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	986 people
Studies that measured estrogen Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495 Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434 Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152 Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178 Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881 Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279 Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	1 person
Studies that measured testosterone Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239 Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295 A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	50 people
Studies that measured muscle mass Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341 Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
	Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	50 people
Studies that measured serum dhea Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429 Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481
	Cortisol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	50 people
	IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	31 people
	Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
	Functionality in Elderly or Injured	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			31 people
	High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			31 people
	LDL Oxidation	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
	Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people
	Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
	Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			50 people
	Triglycerides	Improves (the measure goes down)			31 people

Cognitive Improvement

Cognition
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Cognitive Improvement: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Cognition No effect		NoneNo effect		225 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	27 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	27 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	27 people
Cognitive Decline	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	27 people
Cortisol	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	20 people
Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	225 people
Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			225 people

Low Testosterone

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Low Testosterone: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		19 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	19 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	98 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	19 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	98 people
Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	79 people
Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	19 people
Erections	Improves (the measure goes up)			79 people
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
Prostate-Specific Antigen	Improves (the measure goes up)			79 people

Frailty

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Frailty: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		83 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	182 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	182 people
Bone Mineral Density	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	182 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	83 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	182 people
Cognitive Decline	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	83 people
IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	83 people
Functionality in Elderly or Injured	Improves (the measure goes up)			182 people
IGF Binding Protein	Improves (the measure goes up)			83 people
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			99 people

Weight Loss & Maintenance

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Weight Loss & Maintenance: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		20 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	20 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	20 people
Bone Mineral Density	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	225 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	20 people
Weight	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Male Sexual Dysfunction

Erections
Testosterone: improves
Serum DHEA: improves

Male Sexual Dysfunction: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Erections No effect		NoneNo effect		79 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	79 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	79 people
Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	79 people
Prostate-Specific Antigen	Improves (the measure goes up)			79 people

General Liver Health

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

General Liver Health: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		19 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	19 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	19 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	19 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	19 people
Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people

Hypoadrenalism

Body Fat
Testosterone: improves
Serum DHEA: improves

Hypoadrenalism: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		20 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	40 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	20 people
Growth Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	20 people
IGF-1	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	20 people
Glycemic Control	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
High-density lipoprotein (HDL)	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL)	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people
Serum T3	Improves (the measure goes up)			20 people
Total cholesterol	Improves (the measure goes down)			20 people

Mood Improvement

Cognition
Libido: improves
Subjective Well-Being: improves

Mood Improvement: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Cognition No effect		NoneNo effect		225 people
Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	225 people
Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	225 people
Depression Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)			225 people

Healthy Muscle Aging

Body Fat
Muscle Mass: improves
Power Output: improves

Healthy Muscle Aging: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		280 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	280 people
Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	280 people

Muscle Size & Strength

Body Fat
Estrogen: changes; see studies
Testosterone: improves

Muscle Size & Strength: outcomes studied for DHEA
Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People
Body Fat No effect		NoneNo effect		39 people
Estrogen	Changes; see studies		8 studies	89 people
Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	129 people
Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	129 people
Serum DHEA	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	109 people
Cortisol	Changes; see studies		1 study	50 people
Libido	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
Power Output	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	69 people
Subjective Well-Being	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	50 people
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
Functionality in Elderly or Injured	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Liver Enzymes	Changes; see studies			40 people
Luteinizing Hormone	Improves (the measure goes up)			19 people
Prostate-Specific Antigen	Improves (the measure goes up)			40 people
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Sleep Quality	Improves (the measure goes up)			50 people
Total cholesterol	Changes; see studies			50 people
Weight	Changes; see studies			20 people

Hormone Health

Testosterone: improves

Hormone Health: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Testosterone	Improves (the measure goes up)		3 studies	2,880 people

Immune Health

Muscle Mass: improves

Immune Health: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Muscle Mass	Improves (the measure goes up)		2 studies	40 people

Infertility

Fertility: improves

Infertility: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Fertility	Improves (the measure goes up)		1 study	33 people

Stress

Stress Signs and Symptoms: improves

Stress: outcomes studied for DHEA
Grade	Outcome	Effect	Size	Studies	People	Studies list
	Stress Signs and Symptoms	Improves (the measure goes down)		1 study	48 people

Key findings

CortisolGeneral Athletic PerformanceImproves (the measure goes down)
Cognitive DeclineMild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)Improves (the measure goes down)
Blood FlowMetabolic HealthImproves (the measure goes up)

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Studies cited

28 studies from PubMed

Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and atamestane supplementation on frailty in elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 16804050
Dehydroepiandrosterone combined with exercise improves muscle strength and physical function in frail older womenJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 20863330
Effect of 1-year oral administration of dehydroepiandrosterone to 60- to 80-year-old individuals on muscle function and cross-sectional area: a double-blind placebo-controlled trialArch Intern Med · PMID 12639206
Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in healthy men with age-related decline of DHEA-S: effects on fat distribution, insulin sensitivity and lipid metabolismAging Male · PMID 14628495
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone vs androstenedione supplementation in menMed Sci Sports Exerc · PMID 10613429
Oral dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in older adults: effects on central adiposity, glucose metabolism and blood lipidsClin Endocrinol · PMID 21521341
Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trialOsteoporos Int · PMID 18084691
Short-term dehydroepiandrosterone treatment increases platelet cGMP production in elderly male subjectsClin Endocrinol · PMID 16487434
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation improves endothelial function and insulin sensitivity in menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 12843164
Supplementation with DHEA: effect on muscle size, strength, quality of life, and lipidsJ Womens Health · PMID 15989411
Lack of dehydroepiandrosterone effect on a combined endurance and resistance exercise program in postmenopausal womenJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 18029465
Impact of DHEA supplementation on testosterone and estradiol levels in postmenopausal women: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing dose and duration effects.Diabetol Metab Syndr · PMID 40616152
Effect of oral DHEA on serum testosterone and adaptations to resistance training in young menJ Appl Physiol · PMID 10601178
Effects of short-term dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on body composition in young athletesChin J Physiol · PMID 21789881
Effect of acute DHEA administration on free testosterone in middle-aged and young men following high-intensity interval trainingEur J Appl Physiol · PMID 23417481
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation and bone turnover in middle-aged to elderly menJ Clin Endocrinol Metab · PMID 11932279
Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy in older adults: 1- and 2-y effects on boneAm J Clin Nutr · PMID 19321570
A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials of DHEA supplementation of bone mineral density in healthy adults.Gynecol Endocrinol · PMID 31237150
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and activities of daily living in older women with mild to moderate cognitive impairmentGeriatr Gerontol Int · PMID 20497239
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life: the DHEA and Well-Ness (DAWN) TrialJ Am Geriatr Soc · PMID 18482290
Dhea supplementation and cognition in postmenopausal womenInt J Neurosci · PMID 16393880
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on hormonal, metabolic and behavioral status in patients with hypoadrenalismJ Endocrinol Invest · PMID 15636426
Androgens and sexual function: a placebo-controlled, randomized, double-blind study of testosterone vs. dehydroepiandrosterone in men with sexual dysfunction and androgen deficiencyAging Male · PMID 19883295
A randomized controlled trial of dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgiaJ Rheumatol · PMID 15996074
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) effects on HIV replication and host immunity: a randomized placebo-controlled studyAIDS Res Hum Retroviruses · PMID 17263636
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation during stressful military training: a randomized, controlled, double-blind field studyStress · PMID 21790446
Addition of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for poor-responder patients before and during IVF treatment improves the pregnancy rate: a randomized prospective studyHum Reprod · PMID 20729538
A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.Exp Gerontol · PMID 33045358