DHEA supplementation dosage and safety
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DHEA Supplementation Dosage: Common Ranges and Effects
Research shows that DHEA supplementation is most commonly studied at daily doses of 25 mg, 30 mg, 50 mg, and up to 200 mg, depending on the target population and condition. For women with adrenal insufficiency or low libido, doses of 30–50 mg per day have shown benefits for mood, well-being, and sexual function, while a 200 mg dose has been used in specific conditions like systemic lupus erythematosus . In men, a lower dose of 25 mg per day has been associated with improved endothelial function and insulin sensitivity . Meta-analyses indicate that a 50 mg daily dose is frequently used in studies and is effective in increasing testosterone, estradiol, and IGF-1 levels, especially in women and older adults 345.
DHEA Supplementation Safety: Short- and Long-Term Findings
General Safety in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials and meta-analyses generally report that DHEA supplementation at 25–50 mg per day is well tolerated, with no significant adverse effects on blood lipids, insulin resistance, or endometrial health in postmenopausal women over 52 weeks . Most studies do not find consistent adverse effects, and DHEA is considered safe in the short term for healthy adults and older individuals 26.
Hormonal Effects and Potential Risks
DHEA supplementation increases testosterone and estradiol levels, with more pronounced effects in women, postmenopausal women, and those over 60 years old 35. While the conversion of DHEA to testosterone is relatively weak, reducing the risk of androgen excess, the conversion to estradiol may pose a risk for breast or endometrial cancer in postmenopausal women, especially with long-term use 15. Therefore, monitoring is recommended for women at risk.
Lipid Profile and Cardiovascular Considerations
DHEA supplementation does not significantly alter total cholesterol, LDL, or triglyceride levels, but it may reduce HDL cholesterol, particularly in women 28. The clinical significance of this reduction in HDL is unclear, and further long-term studies are needed to assess cardiovascular outcomes . In men, low-dose DHEA (25 mg/day) has shown improvements in vascular function and insulin sensitivity, which could be beneficial for cardiovascular health .
Special Populations and Cautions
- Postmenopausal Women: DHEA at 50 mg/day is generally safe and can improve sexual function and bone density, but long-term safety regarding cancer risk remains uncertain 125.
- Men: No consistent benefits have been found in placebo-controlled trials, and the impact on testosterone is less pronounced than in women 13.
- COVID-19 Considerations: There is a theoretical concern that DHEA, as an androgen supplement, could exacerbate COVID-19 outcomes due to its effects on androgen-regulated pathways, but this has not been confirmed in clinical trials .
- Fertility and Ovarian Reserve: In animal studies, moderate doses of DHEA improved ovarian reserve and pregnancy outcomes, but higher doses caused adverse effects, suggesting the importance of dose optimization .
Cognitive Function and Other Effects
Current evidence does not support a beneficial effect of DHEA supplementation on cognitive function in healthy older adults, and no consistent adverse effects have been reported in this context .
Conclusion
DHEA supplementation at doses of 25–50 mg per day is generally safe for short- to medium-term use in adults, especially women, with some benefits for sexual function, hormone levels, and possibly cardiovascular health. However, long-term safety, particularly regarding cancer risk and cardiovascular outcomes, requires further study. DHEA should be used cautiously in postmenopausal women and those with hormone-sensitive conditions, and always under medical supervision.
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