DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
3β-Hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one. Prohormone, adrenal androgen precursor.
This page describes what DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is and its known risks. It is not medical advice and not a guide to using it. Many of these substances are prescription-only or illegal to use without a prescription. Speak to a doctor.
- Class
- Prohormone
- Legal status
- Over-the-counter supplement (USA) / Prescription in some countries
- Half-life
- Short (a few hours), acts as precursor
- Liver strain
- Low
- Kidney strain
- Low
- Converts to estrogen
- Mild-Moderate (downstream)
- Suppresses natural hormones
- Not typically
Medical uses
- Adrenal insufficiency (medical)
- Age-related hormone decline (off-label)
What it does in the body
Anabolic
- Mild increase in downstream testosterone/estrogen (highly individual)
- Mild mood and energy support
Forms, half-life and detection
| Form | Half-life | Reported detection window |
|---|---|---|
| Oral | Short (a few hours), acts as precursor | Not typically tested |
Side effects and health risks
Androgenic
- Acne
- Oily skin (dose-dependent)
Estrogenic
- Water retention (in men who convert readily to estrogen)
Other
- Hair loss (in predisposed individuals)
- Voice changes/hirsutism (women, high doses)
Blood tests worth monitoring
From its known properties, these are the markers doctors commonly check. Getting blood work before, during and after is how problems are caught early.
- Androgens tend to lower HDL, raise LDL and thicken the blood: HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin
- Aromatisation: Mild-Moderate (downstream): Estradiol (E2)
Related compounds
Questions
What is the half-life of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
About Short (a few hours), acts as precursor. Half-life is the time for the level in the blood to fall by half.
How long is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) detectable?
Testing windows of Not typically tested are reported, depending on the test and the person.
Is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) legal?
Over-the-counter supplement (USA) / Prescription in some countries. Laws differ by country and change; check the rules where you live.
What blood tests matter with DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Based on its properties, these markers are commonly monitored: HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol, Hematocrit, Hemoglobin and Estradiol (E2). A doctor can order and interpret them.
What are the side effects of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Androgenic: acne and oily skin (dose-dependent). Estrogenic: water retention (in men who convert readily to estrogen). Other: hair loss (in predisposed individuals) and voice changes/hirsutism (women, high doses).
For information only, not medical advice. MyoStats is a tracking tool used at your own discretion. Speak to a doctor before changing your training, diet, medication or anything you take.