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DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is often called the “youth hormone”. DHEA is the most abundant hormone precursor in the human body. And a source of your sex hormones.
DHEA is the most common natural steroid found in human blood plasma. But decreases by about 80% between ages 25 and 75.[i]
DHEA deficiency is suspected in many age-related health issues. Including declines in brain and nervous system function. The latest research shows that DHEA supplementation can have powerful neuroprotective effects.
If you are feeling tired and overwhelmed, have low sex drive, or regularly suffer with depression or poor mood, there’s a good chance your body is not producing enough DHEA.
For more on how testosterone and estrogen affects your brain, see my article: Sex Hormones and Your Brain
DHEA helps:
- Brain Energy. DHEA helps to enhance neuron utilization of ATP. The primary energy source of brain cell mitochondria. Keeping brain cell ATP levels optimized helps prevent age-related cognitive decline.
- Neurotransmitters. DHEA levels are directly associated with neurotransmitters involved in concentration, working memory, and executive function.
- Mood. DHEA supplementation can improve mood and energy while alleviating depression. And has been found to influence gene expression in the brain. It modulates the expression of genes directly involved in appetite, energy utilization and alertness.
Overview
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant natural steroid hormone in your body. It’s sometimes called the “youth hormone”. And is a source of your sex hormones.
DHEA is naturally synthesized in your testes, adrenal glands, and brain. It’s a precursor to DHT and testosterone in men, and estrogen in women. And can activate both androgen and estrogen receptors.
Besides making DHEA, your adrenal glands also produce cortisol. Which is in direct competition with DHEA for production. When cortisol is high, especially for prolonged periods of time, your adrenal glands wear out. And DHEA production will decline.
DHEA can be made in the lab from wild yam and soy. But your body cannot produce DHEA from eating these foods. To boost DHEA you need to take it as a supplement.[ii]
DHEA Declines with Age
Your body’s natural production of DHEA varies with age. Low levels are produced before puberty. With peak production in your 20’s.
Between ages 25-30 to 75 your DHEA levels will drop by 80%. Affecting everything from alertness, memory, recall, and mood to sex drive. Its decline is even implicated in some neurodegenerative diseases.
The age-related variation in DHEA production has led scientists to believe that DHEA could be linked to the aging-process itself.
Many athletes use DHEA to increase muscle mass, strength and energy. But DHEA use is banned in the U.S. by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). It’s also considered a “banned substance” by the NBA, NFL, and United States Olympic Committee.
In Canada, DHEA is considered a ‘drug’ and is only available by prescription. Which says something about the power of DHEA. It’s technically a steroid, which may be why it’s included in with Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs).
In 2007, the U.S. Congress tried to re-classify DHEA as an “anabolic steroid drug”. Which means this natural human hormone would have only been available as a prescription drug. Fortunately, this legislation never passed and you can still buy DHEA as an OTC supplement in the U.S..
Here we’re talking about how DHEA affects your brain health and chemistry.
How does DHEA Work in the Brain?
DHEA boosts brain health and function in several ways. But two in particular stand out.
- DHEA boosts working memory. Research has shown that higher DHEA levels are directly related to concentration, working memory and executive function (decision-making).
A study done in Australia in 2003 and 2004 worked with 295 women aged 21 – 77 years. The researchers set out to investigate whether circulating levels of DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) contributed to cognitive function.
The women in the study went through a comprehensive battery of tests for cognitive function, and DHEAS levels. The researchers concluded that, “Higher endogenous DHEAS levels are independently and favorably associated with executive function, concentration, and working memory.”[iii]
Note: DHEAS is simply DHEA that is produced with the addition of a sulfate group. Naturally produced in your body, it produces the hormone estrone. DHEAS can be back-converted in the body to DHEA and both are often simply referred to as DHEA.
- DHEA enhances mood – naturally. DHEA has been found to improve both mood and energy while alleviating depression.
DHEA may be a good natural alternative to traditional antidepressants. A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study was done at the U.S. National Institutes of Health with 46 men and women. The study subjects had been diagnosed with major or minor depression.
The depressed patients went through 6 weeks of DHEA therapy. 90 mg per day for 3 weeks and 450 mg per day for 3 weeks, and 6 weeks of placebo. They were then tested using two different Depression Rating scales, and for sexual function.
The study found that DHEA offered a significant improvement in depression symptoms. And major improvements in sexual function.
In a very rare admission from the conservative National Institutes of Health, “We find DHEA to be an effective treatment for midlife-onset major and minor depression.”[iv]
How things go bad
As we get older, our brain chemistry and energy metabolism changes.
↓ Concentration, working memory and executive function decline
↓ Neuron receptors degenerate
↓ Adrenals wear out and DHEA levels decline
↓ Appetite regulation, energy and alertness decline
All of these age-related changes are influenced by declining DHEA levels. And are contributing factors to neurodegenerative diseases and depression.
DHEA levels are an inevitable consequence of aging. And can contribute to the onset of degenerative disease.
DHEA benefits
The latest scientific research validates what we know of DHEA’s anti-aging effects. And it’s not just for athletes. DHEA’s neuroprotective benefits are vital to memory and improving mood.
DHEA supports cardiovascular health and activates genes that prevent cardiovascular health problems, diabetes and obesity. It boosts quality of life and sexual function. It even improves the appearance of younger-looking skin.
DHEA supplementation can enhance cognitive function and memory, and improve decision-making (executive function). It’s even been shown to decrease brain cell death, and promote general cerebral health.[v]
How does DHEA feel?
You should experience a noticeable increase in motivation and drive soon after supplementing with DHEA. Especially if your levels are low.
If you are under constant stress, have chronic fatigue, feel weak, depressed or have a low sex drive – find a Naturopathic practitioner. And have your DHEA levels checked.
Too many neurohackers suffer unnecessarily from high stress and low DHEA production. Don’t be one of those people.
DHEA Clinical Research
DHEA is a steroid hormone and has a strong influence on both brain structure and function. Social and physical stress has severe negative effects in your hippocampus. Affecting memory and orientation.
DHEA seems to have a neuroprotective role in reducing the toxic effects of glutamate and cortisol elevated by stress. Studies show low DHEA levels in people suffering from major depression. And that if cortisol and DHEA are out of balance it will delay recovery from these diseases.
DHEA plays a role in the treatment of depression. Whether its caused by stress or aging. It affects both the cellular structure of the brain and its function.[vi]
DHEA Levels Predict How Long You’ll Live
Scientists in Japan set out to determine if DHEA levels could predict longevity. The study included 948 men and women aged 21 – 88 years. The researchers measured DHEAS levels at the beginning of the study. And periodically for the next 27 years.
DHEAS levels were higher in the men than women as expected. DHEA levels were measured along with blood pressure, and blood sugar. Of the three health measures, DHEAS levels in men were the strongest predictor of longevity.
It doesn’t matter what your age, blood pressure or blood sugar levels.[vii] This 27-year study concluded that DHEAS levels could be a way to predict how long you’ll live.
DHEA Improves Memory
Studies in rodents showed DHEA improved cognition. But there were inconsistent findings in humans tying cognition to DHEA supplementation. So scientists at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne in the U.K. decided to find out for themselves.
In this double-blind study, 24 healthy young men were treated with 150 mg per day of DHEA for 7-days. Mood, memory and the stress hormone cortisol were measured. Including scanning their brains to identify brain regions involved in cognition.
The study results showed a reduction in evening cortisol concentrations. And improved memory and mood. Recall significantly improved. And the researchers concluded this study was the first to show that DHEA had a beneficial effect on memory in healthy young men.[viii]
DHEA Levels Associated with Mood in Pro Golfers
Several studies suggest that DHEAS levels drop following different types of acute stress. Implicating DHEA’s role in coping with stress and recovering from stress.
Researchers in Taiwan wanted to find out what happened to DHEA levels during a negative outcome in an athletic competition. In this case, they studied 14 elite golfers participating in a major national golf tournament.
The golfers were divided into 2 groups. One group made the cut during the competition. And the other group did not make the cut. DHEAS levels were measured in both groups 1-day before the competition. And then on days 1, 3 and 5 after the players’ final competition.
Study results showed that DHEAS levels in players that made the cut during the competition did not change. Those players that failed to make the cut experienced a drop in blood concentrations of DHEAS.
This study suggests that DHEA plays a role in your coping mechanism during psychologically challenging times. Supplementing with DHEA during times of stress could help alleviate some of the symptoms normally associated with high stress levels.[ix]
DHEA recommended dosage
Recommended dosage of DHEA is 25 – 50 mg per day.
DHEA is a strong steroid hormone. And low supplemental doses affect gene expression in inhibiting metabolic syndrome. DHEA supplementation boosts bone strength and enhances cognition and memory.
DHEA supplementation is not recommended for anyone under 18 years old. And like many nootropics, too much DHEA is NOT a good thing. It can lead to problems.
Many nootropics users and doctors recommend taking “hormone holidays”. In other words, use DHEA for a month then take a month off.
Supplementing with DHEA beyond the normal range may be advisable for short periods of time. Such as restoring a badly depleted adrenal system. But maintaining large doses of DHEA can lead to unpleasant side effects.
Note: If you have been diagnosed with a hormone-dependent cancer, you should not supplement with DHEA until your cancer has been cured.
DHEA Side Effects
Testing for DHEA levels is very important if you’re planning on supplementing with this powerful compound. Because if your hormone levels are normal and you start taking DHEA, you could experience side effects like acne, hair loss, tumor formation, heart arrhythmia, and insomnia.
At higher than 100 mg doses, DHEA has been linked to side effects. Many experts caution against high-doses of DHEA. Or long-term usage.
Type of DHEA to buy
The most common form of DHEA is in capsule form. Supplement manufacturers offer capsules ranging from 10 – 100 mg. You can even get DHEA as an ointment, lozenge or cream.
Keep in mind that a 25 mg DHEA capsule will not deliver 25 mg of DHEA to your system. It first must pass through your liver where it’s further broken down.
Your body is not used to getting hormones through your digestive system. Once swallowed, only 10-15 percent will eventually reach the tissues you are targeting – like your brain.
This is why many Naturopathic practitioners suggest using a DHEA cream instead. But here again you have a problem. While more DHEA is bioavailable by using DHEA cream on your skin, some argue there’s even a better way to take DHEA.
And that’s by applying the cream to the membranes of your vagina if you are a woman. And in your rectum if you are a man.
One other option is to take DHEA sublingually. It makes logical sense that if taken under your tongue, DHEA bypasses your liver. And goes directly into your bloodstream.
Personally, I use 25 mg of DHEA in capsule form in the morning, and another 25 mg at noon. And have experienced a considerable boost in energy during the day. But cycling one month on, and a one-month off to give my body a “hormone holiday”.
Nootropics Expert Recommendation
DHEA 25 – 50 mg per day
I recommend using DHEA as a nootropic supplement. But with a huge caveat.
Get your DHEA levels checked before starting supplementation to be on the safe side.
Your body does make some DHEA on its own. But DHEA production inevitably declines with age. And possibly even faster depending on the health of your adrenal glands.
If you are under constant stress, have chronic fatigue, feel weak, depressed or have a low sex drive – find a Naturopathic practitioner. And have your DHEA levels checked.
Too many neurohackers suffer unnecessarily from high stress and low DHEA production. Don’t be one of those people.
Maintaining optimal DHEA levels can enhance cognitive function and memory, and improve decision-making (executive function). It’s even been shown to prevent brain cell death, and boost general cerebral health.
Start with 25 mg of DHEA per day. And see how you feel. Increase the dose to no more than 50 mg per day. And watch for side effects. And don’t forget to cycle it. Take it for a month and take one month off.
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Join The Discussion - 111 comments
Jonathan
April 22, 2020
Hi David,
Would supplementing DHEA before 30 be a bad idea? I’ve heard warnings but about it but never an actual reason why. Does it suppress endogenous DHEA production?
David Tomen
April 23, 2020
Jonathan, good question and can only be answered by getting your levels checked. DHEA is a steroid hormone and if overdosed can throw off the balance of an entire stream of sex hormones. That would be my worry more than suppressing endogenous DHEA production.
Mark Winchester
December 31, 2019
DHEA must be cycled. ^ The above advice of one on / one month off is probably a good general schedule.
usair
March 21, 2019
can we entirely replace DHEA with 7-Keto?
it come in 100 mg at my local grocery store
David Tomen
March 23, 2019
DHEA is not the same as 7-Keto-DHEA. And doesn’t work like DHEA. So it depends on what you want to use if for.
If you want to raise testosterone you need to use DHEA. But 7-Keto-DHEA has been shown in clinical trials that it’ll help with metabolism and weight loss and increases thyroid hormone T3.
Poki
March 9, 2019
I tested my DHEA-S levels prior starting supplementing with DHEA.
My results was: 210µg/dL, which is way beyond the upper limit for my age – 457µg/dL – im 30 years old
I started taking DHEA, 50mg every day for 2 months straight.
I waited 2 weeks to let things settle and did test again.
Now my results were even lower.. 188µg/dL.
Can you explain what is going on?
Does supplementing with DHEA raises the levels while you are taking it, but inhibit the body’s ability to create it on its own?
Or is it that DHEA-S are not steady and vary a lot from day to day?
I never tested while I was supplementing with it. I suppose levels would be higher then, but I really don’t want to mess up body’s normal way of production DHEA when stimulating it with supplements.
David Tomen
March 9, 2019
Poki, DHEA begins to decline in males after age 25 and it gets progressively worse the older you get. DHEA is produced in your adrenal glands but it competes with cortisol production. If for any reason your adrenals are producing too much cortisol, DHEA production is suppressed.
The safest way to supplement with DHEA is take it for a month, and then take a ‘hormone holiday’ for a month. Then you’ll not need to worry about your body’s ability to naturally produce this hormone.
I’m not a doctor nor a lab tech so this is purely a guess on my part. But I imagine DHEA levels would fluctuate depending on how your adrenal glands are working. And how much cortisol they are producing. High stress days for example would produce excess cortisol which would in turn suppress DHEA production.
And it’s better to avoid supplementing with something like DHEA for few days before getting labs done. To make sure you’re not getting an unreliable reading when getting tested.
Poki
March 9, 2019
Thanks for the reply David.
Next time I do the test, I will check my cortisol levels as well.
Maybe the product that I was taking is not decent quality. Unfortunately I cannot find the cream version in my country.
I will try different brand this time and do a control lab test while supplementing with it – just to make sure it’s working at all.
If you don’t mind, I will post an update later, just to keep people informed on this matter.
David Tomen
March 10, 2019
Poki, please do post an update and good luck.
Wim
September 1, 2018
Thanks David,
Interesting supplement .
I read “It’s a precursor to DHT “
https://examine.com/supplements/saw-palmetto/
“Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenic alopecia, is an androgen-dependent hair loss disorder heavily dependent on dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is produced by the 5α-reductase enzyme”
How can the DHT increase due to supplementing DHEA be prevented ?
Saw Palmetto , link above is an option. (Maybe an idea for an article as it increases testosterone & by (blocking) it to DHT transformation.
Both DHEA and Saw Palmetto are pro-estrogenic.
Any nootropic that can neutralise or decrease estrogen in the body?
(I know progesterone does it for woman but what do men need to take?)
5α-reductase enzyme, is it possible you have mentioned about this is any other nootropic post?
David Tomen
September 1, 2018
Wim, your comment reminds me that I have a post to write on how hormones affect the brain and cognition.
Here’s an extensive explanation of the mechanism of action for DHEA: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2423429/
Saw Palmetto is likely the best option for inhibiting DHT. And any nootropic or supplement with beta-sitosterol works for inhibiting estrogen. You can get a supplement with just “beta-sitosterol”.
Mjd Awd
October 10, 2019
Dht is not the Evil hormone that was thought to be, it has many many benefits and is 5x stronger than testosterone itself regarding bodybuilding and affects GABA and had many rejuvenating and anti aging properties.
The only downside is male pattern baldness and it just makes it earlier, like instead of going bald by 30 you lose it by 26 nothing more. And saw palmetto IS NOT a good supplement to take, do your research well about it.
Larry Hild
May 11, 2018
As you probably well know, DHEA is promoted rather heavily in the bodybuilding world for men, even endorsed by Dr. Michael Colgan (Colgan Institute of Nutritional Science) who, in his own right, is brilliant.
HOWEVER, it seems there’s a great dichotomy in the nutrition world in regard to the benefits of DHEA and whether the benefits “outweigh” the risks. For example, many feel that DHEA causes a very high rise of estrogen in the (male) body . . . at least, that’s what I’ve been reading (a few links listed below).
https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/planet32.htm
I’m a 60-year-old (white) male, and I realize the importance of DHEA, especially in view that it rapidly declines after the age of 40. However, I certainly don’t want a rise in estrogen either.
I’ve been taking micronized DHEA for several years now daily (no cycle). But now that I’ve read these two articles (links above), I’m actually at a quandary whether I should continue to take it.
I’d appreciate your insight.
Larry
David Tomen
May 11, 2018
Larry, you are right to be concerned. But the only way to tell on how DHEA is working in your body is to get your testosterone and estrogen labs done. And learn how to read those labs because I doubt you’ll find a doctor who has a deep understanding on optimal hormone levels related to how you feel.
Robert Persson
January 24, 2018
I post this question here because it is somewhat related to DHEA: I miss an article about pregnenolone at your site. I think it can be a powerfull suplement. Is there any chance you will write about it in the future?
David Tomen
January 24, 2018
Robert, hormones have come up a lot over the last year. And is begging for a post on “hormones and the brain”. Which is on my list of things to write about in the next few months. So thanks for giving me a kick in the pants to move it up the list.
Robert Persson
December 28, 2017
I have a question about cycling DHEA. Why is one month on/one month off reccomended, is it based on science or just a guess? I have recently startded DHEA due to low levels (about lower range of reference interval when 43 years old) and I feel great effect from it. Would it be a bad idea to skip/cycle the last week each month instead? Or do one need to cycle at all as long as DHEA-S is within reference range?
David Tomen
December 28, 2017
Robert, I need to recommend cycling DHEA because most people will not get their levels checked. Personally, I’ve been using 25 mg DHEA every day for months with no problem. But I get blood levels checked regularly.
The key is to stay within range. Which means if you are getting lab tests done regularly (i.e. every 3-4 months), then supplementing low doses every day may be OK. But maybe not. You may need to cycle DHEA to stay within range.
We’re dealing with hormones here. Mess them up and life gets miserable. So there is no easy answer to your question. Stay on top of your DHEA levels and how you feel. And you should be OK.
Mehdi
February 6, 2021
Hi David,
I watched your video re Vitamin 6 in you tube. very useful .
For about 3 years or may be more I have very high Vitamin 6 in my blood . In recent blood test shows 179.4 ug/L ( reference level is 5.3-46.7 ).
What do you recommend to me ,how I can reduce to normal level ,I am 68 years old , 65 Kg ,167 cm height .
Kind Regards . Mehdi
David Tomen
February 7, 2021
Mehdi, the first thing I suggest is to check all of the supplements (including your multivitamin) you are using to see what contains Vitamin B6. And then check any processed foods to see if B6 is on any of the package labels.
Total those up and see how much B6 you are getting from those sources.
After you’ve conducted that investigation, this is the type of thing you should be working with your doctor on because excess B6 could also be the sign of an underlying health issue that you aren’t aware of.