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Types of DHEA: Forms & Bioavailability

Evidence:Moderate
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This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Statements about dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary — consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement. Full disclaimer

Forms Comparison

FormBioavailabilityBest For
Micronized DHEA CapsulesHighGeneral supplementation — well-absorbed oral form
DHEA Cream (Transdermal)ModerateTargeted delivery — may bypass first-pass liver metabolism
Intravaginal DHEA (Prasterone)High (local)Vaginal atrophy — FDA-approved indication

Micronized DHEA Capsules

Bioavailability: High. Best for: General supplementation — well-absorbed oral form.

DHEA Cream (Transdermal)

Bioavailability: Moderate. Best for: Targeted delivery — may bypass first-pass liver metabolism.

Intravaginal DHEA (Prasterone)

Bioavailability: High (local). Best for: Vaginal atrophy — FDA-approved indication.

Full DHEA Guide

References

  1. RCTLabrie 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
  2. RCTJankowski 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
  3. Meta-analysisZhu F, Yin S, Yang B, Li S, et al. (2023). TEAS, DHEA, CoQ10, and GH for poor ovarian response undergoing IVF-ET: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.. Reproductive biology and endocrinology : RB&E. DOI PubMed
  4. Benjamin JJ, K M, Koshy T, K N M, et al. (2021). DHEA and polycystic ovarian syndrome: Meta-analysis of case-control studies.. PloS one. DOI PubMed
  5. Zhu Y, Qiu L, Jiang F, Găman MA, et al. (2021). The effect of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on estradiol levels in women: A dose-response and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.. Steroids. DOI PubMed
  6. Meta-analysisChen H, Jin Z, Sun C, Santos HO, et al. (2021). Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, and liver enzyme levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials.. International journal of clinical practice. DOI PubMed
  7. Hu Y, Wan P, An X, Jiang G (2021). Impact of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone concentrations and BMI in elderly women: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
Show 4 more references
  1. Li Y, Ren J, Li N, Liu J, et al. (2020). A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials.. Experimental gerontology. DOI PubMed
  2. Meta-analysisQin Y, O Santos H, Khani V, Tan SC, et al. (2020). Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on the lipid profile: A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Nutrition, metabolism, and cardiovascular diseases : NMCD. DOI PubMed
  3. Wang X, Feng H, Fan D, Zou G, et al. (2020). The influence of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index: A systematic review and dose response meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. Complementary therapies in medicine. DOI PubMed
  4. Wang F, He Y, O Santos H, Sathian B, et al. (2020). The effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on body composition and blood pressure: A meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.. Steroids. DOI PubMed