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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
Casper
July 20, 2023
How to counter the increased estrogen as a result of DHEA and pregnenolone for a man?
David Tomen
July 25, 2023
Casper, the best natural way is by using DIM. The only alternative is prescription Anastrozole.
Jatin
July 20, 2023
Does it needs to be taken with food or without food?
David Tomen
July 25, 2023
DHEA is fat soluble so must be using with a healthy fat or oil for absorption.
Jatin
August 10, 2023
So I started taking DHEA two weeks ago. 25mg, on alternate days (3 times per week) after lunch. Just touched my 30s. I’ve noticed that my ‘drive’ is loads better. I no longer feel lethargic.
I also must add that I added Shoden Ashwagandha (170mg) after dinner, 3 times per week a week before DHEA. It really worked on ‘muting’ my mind of unnecessary thoughts. Hence, it has worked on the ’emotional intelligence’ part.
For the regular intelligence (I consider intelligence to be memory), I take citicholine (250mg), ALCAR (1g), b complex and Huperzine A / DMAE 4 to 5 times per week, empty stomach every morning.
After a few hours, I take shilajit powder (250mg).
Besides that I take astaxanthin, DHA (700mg), zinc, tongkat ali, and COQ10 after lunch.
And in the evenings on a relatively empty stomach I take a mixture of TMG(1g), glycine(5g), NAC(600mg), Taurine(2g), Magnesium L threonate (3g).
Just putting it out there. Thought it might help someone.
My question to you is that I got pregnenolone (10mg), Vinpocetine (10mg) + Ginkgo (80mg) from swanson yesterday and tried it on an empty stomach before my usual stack.
Initally I didn’t notice much but when after (about 2 hours later) I took my choline stack (huperzine n all), I was just super focused, calm, driven.
I sat for about 8 hours studying. Like intense dedicated studying and finished 3 days worth of work in a single day. I used to feel like this as a 12 year old. Super driven n all.
What could have caused this doc? I’ll be trying this combo again one day later. Thanks for everything.
David Tomen
December 24, 2023
Jatin, it was likely pregnenolone and I have discovered the research on this hormone as a nootropic is amazing. It is on my “to do” list and I’m looking forward to taking a deeper dive into this hormone.
Jatin
August 10, 2023
Same with pregnenolone?
David Tomen
August 12, 2023
Yes
Jatin
August 14, 2023
Ok. One thing though. Pregnanolonr makes me sleepy so I take it after dinner. Is this alright?
David Tomen
August 15, 2023
Any supplement that makes you sleepy should help with sleep.
Nico
July 10, 2023
Can you speak a little more to this from your article?
“And low supplemental doses affect gene expression in inhibiting metabolic syndrome.”
I started low DHEA (had to stop topical Estrogen so a variable but I was ok until I started DHEA).
Extreme fatigue despite sleeping more, brain fog, lack of concentration, VERY irritable (like PMS but all the time), light headache, heavy body, eating more but not feeling any energy effects… it’s only been 6 days on 25mg and I’m supposed to work up to 75mg.
I know I deal with paradoxical B12/Folate issues, so I’m uncertain if DHEA puts a higher demand on Rioboflavin. OR if modulating immune system in any way, picking fights with dormant virus/bacteria etc?
Any ideas? The doctor I work with is clueless, focused on one thing and doesn’t care what your DHEA levels are, everyone goes on it for end goal .
David Tomen
July 10, 2023
Nico, 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.
But it’s complicated and supplementing with DHEA without knowing your DHEAS levels is not a good idea. There are studies that show DHEA supplementation could play a role in prevention and treatment of the metabolic syndrome associated with abdominal obesity (https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/199765). But that study was done with elderly people and Lord knows they were tracking their DHEAS levels throughout that study.
If I was you I’d be shopping for a new doctor.
Nad
April 1, 2023
Is there a way to increase it naturally, or is there a treatment that can cure the adrenal glands and allow them to produce DHEA at the same volume?
David Tomen
April 2, 2023
Nad, my research and experience is with supporting and healing the human brain. I suggest you do a search for “How can I heal my adrenal glands naturally?” and see what turns up.
But if you cannot heal them naturally then the only way to increase your DHEA levels is with a supplement.
Dim
January 18, 2023
Dear David,
I currently use DHEA supplements. My mood, my memory, and attitude toward others changed dramatically for the better. I intend to use it for a month and then stop for another.
My question is, will my mood change back to low energy, motive, and lack of happiness, or will be stabilized until next month when I will start using it again?
P.s. By the end of February, I will run a blood test to check my levels
Thank you very much
David Tomen
January 18, 2023
Your mood could very well regress back to where you started. It may not be necessary to take a supplement holiday from using DHEA. It depends on your age and how your system uses this hormone. I personally supplement with DHEA daily and have for years without a problem. I get my labs done several times per year to keep an eye on my levels.
Dimm
January 19, 2023
I really appreciate your feedback and your help
I ll keep that in mind and I will monitor my blood exams.
I am 55 and I take twice a day 25mg DHEA
This stuff works !
Nancy
December 29, 2022
Dear David,
I am on HRT replacement therapy due to menopause (estradiol pads 100mg and testosterone cream twice a week. My bloodwork showed 1.87 ng/mL for DHEA levels. The main symptom that I work with other supplements as well (Gaba, dopa mucuna, b1 12 b4, vegan omega 3,astawantha etc) is depression. I also take t4 and t3 for Hashimoto. It is safe for me to use DHEA. Thank you very much
David Tomen
December 29, 2022
Nancy, as long as your doctor thinks it’s safe then do it! Just keep on eye on your DHEA labs and keep your numbers within the bell curve for women.
Nancy
December 30, 2022
Thank you very much! Happy New Year!
Mev
November 10, 2022
When I got tested for DHEAS, total testosterone and SHGB 2 years ago, all the parameters were on the lower side of the reference range. Because both total testosterone and SHGB were on the lower range, the free androgen index that is calculated by total testosterone/SHGB was in the middle of the reference range, so the free testosterone level was considered normal. But my DHEAS level was considered on the lower side for my age (I was 30 years old at that time). I’m 32 years old now. 2 weeks ago, I started supplementing with 5 mg micronized DHEA + 10 mg pregnenolone daily, only for 3 consecutive days per week (3 days on, 4 days off). I had a couple of acne since then, and slightly more hair shedding but nothing to worry about (this side effect seems to be gone at the moment). I wanted to start with the lowest doses possible and this seems to be effective. I feel more energetic during the day, and my skin has improved. I have been using for a long time tons of other supplements as well [nicotinic acid (1000 mg), tmg (1000 mg), trans-resveratrol (100 mg), quercetin (400 mg), berberine (800 mg), l-carnosine (2000 mg), dmae (100 mg), alcar (1000 mg), arginine alpha-ketoglutarate (8000 mg), Life Extension Geroprotect series (all 4 products), vitamin C (1500 mg), grape seed extract VX1 (300 mg), methylsulfonylmethane (3000 mg), and multivitamin/bone/joint supplements]. My bloodwork has improved significantly (all types of cholesterol levels and triglyceride levels, glycated hemoglobin, kidney/liver function tests). I actually look younger than when I was 28 years old haha
David Tomen
November 16, 2022
Thanks for the report Mev. This stuff works!
MattD
October 4, 2022
Life Extensions’ website has 100 count DHEA 25 mg on sale ($6.00) with a host of other products (on sale page). Just wanted to pass this on so people can stock up. Dopa-mind (oat straw) is on sale too.
David Tomen
October 4, 2022
Thanks Matt.
Here is the DHEA supplement that is on sale: https://nootropicsexpert.com/go/life-extension-dhea/