Meta Information

ID:dhea

Name:DHEA

Schema Version:1.5

Alternate Names

• Dehydroepiandrosterone

Intervention Type

therapeutic_agent

Expected Cost Mean

Low Cost:

5

High Cost:

25

Cost Type:

monthly

Description:

Widely available over-the-counter supplement; generally not covered by insurance.

Summary

DHEA is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands whose levels decline significantly with age. Supplementation aims to restore youthful concentrations, with the hypothesis that this may counteract some aspects of aging. Its primary mechanism is conversion into downstream sex hormones like testosterone and estrogen, making its effects highly variable and sex-dependent.

Purpose

A precursor hormone to restore youthful androgen and estrogen levels.

Card Summary

A precursor hormone whose levels decline with age; supplementation aims to restore youthful hormonal balance, though direct longevity benefits are debated.

Drug Class

steroid_hormone_precursor

Drugs In Class

Empty Array

Impact

Score:

3

Justification:

Limited evidence for broad healthspan benefits beyond correcting specific hormonal deficiencies.

Evidence

Grade:

B

Score:

5.5

Justification:

Many human trials exist, but results are inconsistent for key healthspan endpoints.

Safety

Score:

4.5

Justification:

Hormonal side effects are common; long-term cancer risk is a theoretical concern.

Flags

• May increase risk or progression of hormone-sensitive cancers (e.g., prostate, breast).
• Can cause androgenic side effects like acne, oily skin, and hirsutism.
• Banned by many sports organizations (WADA) as an anabolic agent.
• Use should be guided by blood tests to avoid supraphysiological hormone levels.

Verdict

Potentially useful for deficiency, but unproven for general healthspan extension.

Created

2026-04-27T00:54:49.291159Z

Model

Gemini 3.1 Pro (High)

Delivery

Route:

oral

Scope:

• systemic

Indication

Focus:

healthspan

Description:

DHEA is a precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands whose levels decline significantly with age. Supplementation aims to restore youthful concentrations, with the hypothesis that this may count...

Typical Protocol

• Typical doses range from 10-50 mg daily, often taken in the morning.
• Blood levels are often tested to guide dosage and avoid supraphysiological levels.