nn
Dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is made from cholesterol. It is a steroid hormone produced mainly by our adrenal glands, which are located on the top of our kidneys. Also, the gonads, brain, skin, and fat tissues produce small amounts of DHEA.
The body turns DHEA into two types of hormones; estrogen, the main female hormone, and testosterone, the main male hormone. It also works as a neuro-steroid, which enhances the neurons’ excitability in the brain and spinal cord.
The highest level of DHEA occurs when you are 20. Over the next 40 to 60 years of life, the DHEA levels decrease to 20% or less of the peak value. Low DHEA-S levels can occur with aging and in some medical conditions, but nonspecific symptoms such as low mood or sexual concerns have many possible causes. A low value should be interpreted in clinical context rather than assumed to be the cause of symptoms.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Consult $450
DHEA has been studied for several clinical uses, but potential benefits depend on the diagnosis, formulation, dose, and patient. A low DHEA-S result alone does not establish that supplementation will improve nonspecific symptoms.
Low DHEA levels are associated with low density of the bones. Studies show that DHEA therapy can preserve bone density in women and more studies are conducted about its effects on bone density in men. Besides, some studies are focusing on comparing the effects of DHEA therapy to estrogen therapy.
DHEA therapy can increase your testosterone levels since the body can turn it into testosterone.
DHEA levels decline with age, but that does not mean supplementation is an anti-aging treatment. Evidence for routine DHEA supplementation to improve cognition, body composition, or overall health is limited and inconsistent. Some studies have examined skin-related outcomes in older adults, but these findings do not establish broad anti-aging benefits. Treatment decisions should be based on the clinical indication, relevant testing, potential risks, and physician monitoring.
DHEA has been studied for depressive symptoms, but the evidence is limited and it is not a standard first-line treatment for depression. Mood symptoms warrant evaluation for other causes and established treatments; DHEA should only be considered when clinically appropriate and monitored by a physician.
Prescription vaginal prasterone (DHEA) is an FDA-approved option for moderate-to-severe pain with intercourse due to vulvovaginal atrophy after menopause. This is different from assuming that systemic or over-the-counter DHEA supplements will treat vaginal symptoms. See our GSM and vaginal atrophy page for a broader discussion of treatment options.
DHEA has been studied in conditions including systemic lupus erythematosus, while DHEA production can also be reduced in adrenal insufficiency. These are distinct medical conditions that require specialist-guided diagnosis and treatment; DHEA should not be presented as a general treatment for either condition.
Hormone Replacement Therapy Consult $450
Testosterone Replacement Program
Includes
DHEA is produced naturally in the body, but that does not make supplementation risk-free. Because DHEA can be converted into androgens and estrogens, treatment can cause hormonal side effects and may be inappropriate for some patients. Dose, indication, medications, medical history, and relevant laboratory findings should be reviewed before treatment.
It is important to get DHEA therapy under the supervision of your doctor since it may increase the risk of certain DHEA-sensitive cancers such as ovarian, prostate, and breast cancers. If you are at risk of having cancer, your doctor will not recommend DHEA therapy.
Also, DHEA therapy is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
In addition, DHEA therapy is not recommended for people who have high cholesterol levels or suffer from any condition affecting the blood supply of the heart such as ischemic heart diseases. DHEA therapy has negative effects on HDL or High-density lipoprotein, which is the good cholesterol.
People who suffer from mood disorders such as mania should not be treated by DHEA therapy since it increases the risk of mania and may worsen certain psychiatric conditions.
Other side effects include oily skin, acne, and hair growth in women.
At our clinic, we perform DHEA therapy after evaluating the patient completely. If there is any risk of DHEA therapy, we inform the patient and recommend other alternative therapies.
For more information, check our website or schedule an appointment.
For a broader evaluation, see our hormone replacement therapy, hormone testing and evaluation, testosterone therapy, and women’s hormone and menopause care pages. Treatment decisions are individualized after appropriate medical evaluation.
Written and medically reviewed by David Nazarian, M.D., a board-certified internal medicine physician. This page is for patient education and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation.
Our Beverly Hills office serves patients throughout greater Los Angeles seeking physician-led hormone evaluation and individualized care.
Commonly served areas include: Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Century City, Brentwood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Bel Air, Culver City, Hollywood, and Pacific Palisades.
Explore evidence-based information about hormone testing, DHEA, menopause care, testosterone evaluation, and related hormone treatment topics.
PT-141 is another name commonly used for bremelanotide, a melanocortin receptor agonist. Unlike many peptides marketed by wellness clinics, bremelanotide has an FDA-approved prescription product: […]
Sermorelin is a synthetic analog of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) that stimulates the pituitary gland to release growth hormone. It is widely searched today as […]
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and peptide therapy are often marketed together under the umbrella of “hormone optimization,” but they are not the same treatment. HRT […]
David Nazarian, M.D., is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine and has completed advanced bioidentical hormone replacement therapy training through WorldLink Medical. He provides physician-led hormone evaluation and individualized care for women and men, with an emphasis on comprehensive assessment, patient education, safety, and ongoing follow-up.
Hormone Replacement Therapy LA provides physician-led hormone evaluation and individualized care in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles with David Nazarian, M.D.
Copyright ©2026 Hormone Replacement Therapy LA. All rights reserved.
