Drugs · Brain health technique
DHEA Replacement
Evidence grade: Experimental
Supplementation with dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal steroid precursor available as oral or topical formulations (common brands: Prasterone / Intrarosa®, over-the-counter DHEA capsules), used to counteract age-related hormonal decline.
- Practice
- Drugs
- Principle
- Treatment
- Tactic
- Hormonal Therapies
- Evidence grade
- Experimental
- Strength of evidence
- Low
How to practice DHEA Replacement
Use only under physician supervision and with baseline DHEA-S measurement. Typical dosing: 10–25 mg daily (women) or 25–50 mg (men). Avoid high-dose or unsupervised OTC use. Monitor for acne, hair loss, or hormonal side effects. Benefits are modest; replacement is most appropriate in documented adrenal insufficiency or very low age-adjusted DHEA-S.
The evidence behind DHEA Replacement
DHEA levels decline steadily with age, and low levels correlate with fatigue, reduced libido, and depression. Small RCTs show modest improvements in well-being and sexual function, but little consistent benefit for cognition or mood. Mechanism: DHEA serves as a precursor to estrogen and testosterone and may modulate neurosteroid activity and stress response. Evidence weak to moderate, with variability in bioavailability.
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