DHEA
Dehydroepiandrosterone
A precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that declines with age. Supplementation may support energy, mood, and immune function, though evidence is mixed.
How DHEA Works
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands, with production peaking in the mid-20s and declining approximately 2-3% per year thereafter. It serves as a precursor hormone (prohormone) that is locally converted to androgens (testosterone, DHT) and estrogens (estradiol, estrone) in peripheral tissues through intracrine mechanisms. DHEA also has direct actions on its own receptors, including immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and anti-inflammatory effects independent of its conversion to sex hormones.
📊 Evidence by Outcome
Restores DHEA-S levels in older adults. Benefits most pronounced in those with confirmed deficiency.
15 studies • Consistency: Moderate • Effect: Moderate
Some evidence for bone mineral density improvement, particularly in women.
8 studies • Consistency: Mixed • Effect: Small
Key Research
Peer-Reviewed Evidence • 3 Citations
DHEA replacement for postmenopausal women: A systematic review
Panjari M, Davis SR•J Clin Endocrinol Metab•2007•PMID: 17284625
Key Finding: DHEA supplementation shows modest improvements in sexual function and well-being in postmenopausal women, with mixed evidence for other outcomes.
View on PubMedDHEA supplementation and cognition in aging: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Grimley Evans J et al.•Cochrane Database Syst Rev•2006•PMID: 17054222
Key Finding: Current evidence insufficient to support DHEA supplementation for cognitive improvement in older adults, though no safety concerns identified.
View on PubMedDehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and bone mineral density in healthy older women
Jankowski CM et al.•J Clin Endocrinol Metab•2006•PMID: 16449337
Key Finding: One-year DHEA supplementation modestly increased spinal bone mineral density in older women, supporting its potential role in osteoporosis prevention.
View on PubMedCitations sourced from PubMed, Cochrane Library, and peer-reviewed journals. Study findings are summarized for accessibility. Always consult the original publication for full methodology and results.
Side Effects & Safety
Interactions & Contraindications
Drug Interactions
- •Aromatase inhibitors — DHEA converts to estrogen, potentially counteracting the drug's effect
- •Tamoxifen and other SERMs — DHEA-derived estrogens may reduce efficacy
- •Insulin and diabetes medications — DHEA may improve insulin sensitivity; monitor blood glucose
- •Anticoagulants — DHEA may affect platelet aggregation
- •Corticosteroids — DHEA may modulate cortisol effects
Supplement Interactions
- •Synergistic with vitamin D for bone health and immune function
- •Compatible with pregnenolone (upstream precursor — though overlapping pathways)
- •May complement melatonin for anti-aging protocols
- •Zinc and magnesium support DHEA metabolism
Food & Timing
- •Best taken in the morning to align with natural cortisol and DHEA circadian rhythm
- •Take with food (fat-containing meal) for improved absorption
- •Avoid excessive soy and phytoestrogen-rich foods if concerned about estrogenic conversion
- •No major food interactions
Who Should Avoid
- •Hormone-sensitive cancers (breast, ovarian, uterine, prostate) — DHEA converts to both estrogens and androgens
- •Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) — already elevated androgens in most cases
- •Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- •Children and adolescents under 18
- •Liver disease
- •Bipolar disorder or history of mania (DHEA may trigger manic episodes)
- •Endometriosis (estrogen-dependent condition)
📋 Protocol Snapshot
Protocols are for informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment protocol.
Cost Guide
AED 80-300/month
Estimated UAE pricing. Costs vary by provider, dosage, and treatment plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
DHEA is available in the UAE through some pharmacies and wellness clinics. It is sold as a supplement in some countries but may require a prescription in the UAE. Clinics specializing in hormone optimization typically carry pharmaceutical-grade DHEA. Dosing should be guided by blood work (DHEA-S levels).
Energy and mood improvements may be noticed within 2-4 weeks. Skin and libido changes typically take 4-8 weeks. Immune and bone density benefits are long-term (6-12+ months). Blood levels of DHEA-S reach steady state within 1-2 weeks of consistent dosing.
Dosing should be based on blood DHEA-S levels. Typical starting doses are 25-50mg/day for men and 10-25mg/day for women. Women are more sensitive to DHEA's androgenic effects and should start lower. Always test DHEA-S, testosterone, and estradiol before and 4-6 weeks after starting.
Yes, but at lower doses than men (typically 5-25mg/day). Women should monitor for androgenic side effects (acne, hair growth, hair loss). DHEA can be particularly beneficial for postmenopausal women with low DHEA-S levels, supporting bone health, libido, and vaginal tissue integrity. Vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa/prasterone) is specifically approved for vaginal atrophy.
DHEA is technically a steroid hormone (a steroid prohormone), but it is not an anabolic steroid in the way that term is commonly used. It is naturally produced by your adrenal glands and converts to sex hormones at low levels. At supplemental doses (25-50mg), the hormonal changes are modest compared to direct testosterone or estrogen administration. However, it is banned by most sports organizations (WADA).
Where to Get It (UAE)
Related Treatments
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Kamura Scores reflect a combination of research evidence, safety, accessibility, and value — they are not clinical recommendations. Research citations are provided for reference; always consult the original publications for complete study details. Consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or modifying any treatment. Individual results may vary.