Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in the human body, produced predominantly by the adrenal glands. It is commonly marketed as a supplement for men seeking to mitigate the effects of aging or enhance physical performance. DHEA acts as a precursor to sex hormones, and its levels naturally decline over a man’s lifetime. This exploration examines the physiological functions of DHEA and the scientific evidence supporting its benefits and risks for men.
How DHEA Functions Naturally in the Male Body
The majority of DHEA production occurs in the adrenal cortex of the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts synthesized by the testes and the brain. DHEA functions primarily as a “parent hormone,” meaning it is metabolically converted into more potent sex steroids. In men, this conversion pathway creates androgens, such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT), as well as estrogens.
DHEA levels in men peak during their early to mid-twenties, followed by a gradual decline known as “adrenopause.” By age 70 or 80, circulating DHEA levels may be only 10% to 20% of what they were in youth. This age-related decrease in DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S) provides the rationale for men considering supplementation to restore youthful hormonal balance. The hormone also acts as a neurosteroid, directly influencing the excitability of neurons in the central nervous system.
Impact on Physicality and Energy Levels
The decline in DHEA often parallels an age-related reduction in muscle mass and strength. Clinical trials examining DHEA’s effects on body composition have yielded mixed results, depending on the age of the men studied. Younger, healthy men do not experience significant changes in muscle mass or body fat from DHEA supplementation alone.
In older men, the evidence suggests a more noticeable effect. A six-month study of men aged 50–65 using 100 milligrams of DHEA daily demonstrated specific improvements in body composition. These men experienced a 6.1% reduction in fat body mass and increased muscle strength, with knee and lumbar back strength improving by about 15% and 13.9%. DHEA has also been shown to elevate serum levels of Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I), a hormone associated with anabolic processes and muscle growth.
DHEA’s Influence on Sexual Health and Mood
DHEA’s conversion into testosterone suggests a link to male sexual function, and scientific literature supports an association between low DHEA and sexual dysfunction. Large-scale population studies, such as the Massachusetts Male Aging Study, found that DHEA-S levels were the only hormone inversely correlated with the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED).
In men with low baseline DHEA levels, supplementation may improve several domains of sexual health. Clinical trials show that a daily DHEA dose, often 50 milligrams, can lead to higher scores on measures of erectile function, libido, and overall sexual satisfaction after several months. DHEA also acts directly within the brain, and low levels have been associated with a higher incidence of depression and anxiety. For men with documented low DHEA, supplementation has been observed to positively influence mood and reduce symptoms of depression.
Understanding Risks and Supplementation Guidelines
Because DHEA serves as a precursor to sex hormones, supplementation can lead to hormonal shifts and potential side effects, especially at higher doses. Common adverse effects include androgenic symptoms, such as acne, increased oiliness of the skin, and accelerated hair loss. Conversion into testosterone and estrogen can also lead to more serious issues, including an increased urge to urinate and the development of enlarged breast tissue (gynecomastia).
DHEA can negatively impact cardiovascular health by decreasing the levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, often referred to as “good” cholesterol. Given its influence on the endocrine system, DHEA is classified as a banned substance by major organizations like the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA). Most studies use a daily oral dosage ranging from 25 to 50 milligrams, but long-term safety data remains limited. Any man considering DHEA supplementation should only do so under the guidance of a healthcare professional, with regular blood monitoring of DHEA-S, testosterone, and estrogen levels.