Safety Profile
Overall safety rating: Safe with Caution
DHEA Side Effects & Safety
This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer
Potential Side Effects
- Acne and oily skin (androgenic effect)
- Hair loss or unwanted hair growth in women
- Mood changes (irritability, aggression at higher doses)
- May elevate estrogen or testosterone beyond desired levels
- Insomnia if taken late in the day
Drug & Supplement Interactions
- May increase estrogen and testosterone levels — caution with hormone-sensitive cancers
- May interact with insulin and diabetes medications (affects insulin sensitivity)
- Contraindicated with anticoagulants (may affect clotting)
- May interact with aromatase inhibitors and anti-androgen medications
Maximum Dose
Do not exceed: 50mg daily unless medically supervised (higher doses increase androgenic side effects)
References
- Arlt W, Callies F, van Vlijmen JC, Koehler I, Reincke M, Bidlingmaier M, Huebler D, Oettel M, Ernst M, Schulte HM, Allolio B (1999). Dehydroepiandrosterone replacement in women with adrenal insufficiency. New England Journal of Medicine. DOI PubMed
- Labrie F, Archer DF, Koltun W, Vachon A, Young D, Frenette L, Portman D, Montesino M, Cote I, Parent J, Lavoie L, Beauregard A, Martel C, Vaillancourt M, Balser J, Bhatt E (2016). Efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness. Menopause. DOI PubMed
- Jankowski CM, Gozansky WS, Schwartz RS, Dahl DJ, Kittelson JM, Scott SM, Van Pelt RE, Kohrt WM (2006). Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone replacement therapy on bone mineral density in older adults: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. DOI PubMed