Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced naturally in the body and sold as a dietary supplement. It is often marketed with claims of boosting testosterone levels. This article explores the current scientific understanding of DHEA and its potential effects on testosterone, examining the research that supports or refutes these claims.
Understanding DHEA and Its Hormonal Pathway
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. Smaller amounts are also made in the gonads and the brain. DHEA is considered a precursor hormone, meaning it serves as a raw material for the body to synthesize other hormones.
This conversion process involves a series of enzymatic reactions. DHEA can be transformed into androstenedione by the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD). Androstenedione is then converted into testosterone by the enzyme 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD). Additionally, DHEA can be converted into estrogens, the primary female sex hormones, through a pathway involving aromatase.
Scientific Evidence on DHEA and Testosterone
Research on DHEA supplementation and its impact on testosterone levels has yielded mixed results, largely depending on the individual’s age, baseline hormone levels, and the dosage of DHEA used. In older men, whose natural DHEA levels decline with age, supplementation may lead to an increase in testosterone. However, this increase is often modest and might not always be considered clinically significant.
For younger individuals, DHEA supplementation does not show a consistent or significant increase in testosterone. Studies involving young men undergoing resistance training, for example, found that DHEA intake did not affect serum testosterone levels, despite increasing androstenedione. This suggests that in younger populations with healthy hormone production, the body may not convert additional DHEA into testosterone to a substantial degree.
In women, DHEA supplementation more consistently increases testosterone levels. A meta-analysis of studies on postmenopausal women indicated that DHEA supplementation, particularly at doses of 50 mg per day or higher, significantly increased both testosterone and estradiol levels. This effect is especially noted in women with adrenal insufficiency or those who are postmenopausal, where natural DHEA production has declined.
Important Considerations Before Taking DHEA
DHEA is a hormone, and its supplementation should not be undertaken without medical supervision due to potential side effects and interactions. Common side effects include:
- Oily skin
- Acne
- Hair loss
- In women, facial hair growth or a deepening of the voice
- Stomach upset
- Mood changes
- Headache
- Irregular menstrual cycles
DHEA can interact with various medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or increasing the risk of adverse reactions. These interactions include those with blood thinners, anticonvulsants, and certain drugs for diabetes or heart conditions. It is also advised to avoid DHEA if taking estrogen or testosterone, as combining these hormones could lead to an excess. This may result in unwanted effects like low sperm count or breast enlargement in men, or the development of male characteristics in women.
The purity and dosage of DHEA supplements can vary significantly because they are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as prescription drugs. This lack of strict oversight means that what is listed on a supplement label may not accurately reflect its contents. Consulting a healthcare professional is advised to assess individual needs, discuss potential risks, and determine appropriate dosages, given the potential for serious interactions or side effects.