Last updated on September 25th, 2025 at 04:13 pm
It seems that people are always looking for that “fountain of youth” to miraculously improve their health and slow aging.
Well, unfortunately, such a compound doesn’t exist! However, there are some supplements that have been shown to support your health during the aging process, such as DHEA.
In this article, we’ll look at the potential health benefits of DHEA for aging and more, such as energy, hormonal health, and metabolic support. Plus, you’ll get a list of some of the best DHEA supplements to support your health goals.
What is DHEA?
DHEA, which stands for dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone produced naturally in the body. In fact, it is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body, where it also acts as a precursor to the hormones testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is also converted into certain metabolites, such as androstenedione, androstenediol, and DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-s).
In addition, DHEA has direct effects in the central nervous system, where it acts as a neurosteroid. It also has effects in many areas of the body, such as the heart, kidney, liver, and blood vessels.
Overall, DHEA has many important roles in our overall health and well-being.
DHEA, Stress, Aging, & Disease
DHEA levels typically decline with age, and they also decrease with stress and chronic disease. Regardless of the cause, this decline in DHEA is associated with a number of health issues, such as depression, fatigue, reduced libido and sexual performance, cognitive complaints, and poorer cardiovascular health.
Health Benefits of DHEA
For people with low DHEA and associated symptoms, DHEA supplements may be an effective way to promote healthy DHEA levels and support overall health.
There are several research-backed benefits of DHEA. Listed below are key areas where DHEA may offer important support:
- Mental wellness: DHEA acts as a neurosteroid, which helps support the production of GABA and other neurotransmitters involved in mood and mental health. It may support a more positive mood in individuals with depression too.
- Cognitive function: DHEA helps protect the brain from inflammation and oxidative stress, while promoting general nerve cell health. This may support cognitive function, especially as you age.
- Hormonal health: DHEA is a precursor to testosterone and estrogen, so DHEA supplements may help support healthy hormonal levels in both men and women. This may also offer benefits for energy, libido, and muscle mass, given the roles of steroid hormones in all of these areas.
- Post-menopausal symptoms: Through its support on estrogen levels, DHEA supplements may also help with postmenopausal symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, low libido, and weakening bones.
- Muscle and physical performance: Due to effects on testosterone and other anabolic properties, DHEA supplements support muscle mass, strength, body composition, and physical performance.
- Immunity: DHEA supports the production of a variety of immune cells, which in turn promotes a healthy immune system.
- Asthma and allergies: DHEA may help control airway hyperreactivity, and it also helps combat inflammation, both of which may help with asthma and allergies.
While these are very promising benefits, it’s important to note that the research is still limited overall, and not all studies have found benefits. Furthermore, there are possible side effects of DHEA supplements. This is why you should always talk with your doctor before taking a DHEA supplement (or any other supplement).
The Best DHEA Supplements
Finding the right DHEA supplement can be tricky, especially with so many products out there. Below, we’ve listed some of the best DHEA supplements to support your energy, mood, and overall health as you age.
(Always consult your doctor before taking any supplement, especially if you take any prescription medications or have any chronic diseases.)
- NutriDyn Liposomal DHEA: NutriDyn offers pure, properly tested formulas trusted by many health practitioners. Their Liposomal DHEA formula provides 25 mg of DHEA per capsule, making it an easy way to support brain health, immunity, and overall wellness.
- Pure Encapsulations DHEA: Pure Encapsulations is one of the most respected supplement brands out there. Their DHEA formula contains 25 mg of DHEA in a micronized formula for better absorption. It’s one of the best for energy, metabolic support, and general well-being.
- Douglas Labs DHEA 5 mg Dissolvable Tablets: Douglas Labs has dozens of evidence-based health supplements for many different needs and goals. DHEA 5 mg Dissolvable Tablets is a simple, convenient way to support DHEA levels. The lower dose may be particularly suitable for women.
Beyond DHEA, there are many other supplements that may have anti-aging properties. If you’re looking for further support, check out our comprehensive list of supplements that may help with healthy aging.
When to Take DHEA
You can take DHEA supplements in the morning or night, but it’s often recommended to take DHEA at night to align with the body’s natural hormonal rhythms. Ultimately, it’s best to supplement with DHEA consistently at the same time every day.
FAQs
Why take DHEA at night?
We’ve seen many people ask the question, “why take DHEA at night?”
Well, DHEA is produced by the body in a pulsatile pattern, with increasing activity at night. However, stress and other issues can reduce this nightly production, which may interfere with sleep.
Therefore, taking DHEA at night promotes healthy DHEA levels at a time when it’s particularly important, which could possibly improve sleep as well.
What does a DHEA supplement do?
DHEA is a steroid hormone produced naturally by the body, so a DHEA supplement promotes healthy DHEA levels, particularly in people with low DHEA. DHEA supports testosterone and estrogen production, and supports many areas of overall health as well, such as mood, cognition, and hormonal balance.
What is the best DHEA supplement for women?
Men naturally produce more DHEA than women. Therefore, a DHEA supplement with a lower dose of DHEA may be more suitable for women. Typically, this is in the range of 5 to 25 mg per serving. Talk to your doctor to see what dose (if any) of DHEA is right for you.
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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
