Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)









Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)


Natural product category
Nutraceutical
What is this natural product used for?
This product has been promoted as an antiaging product. It has also been used for depression, fatigue, diabetes, weight loss, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and to help improve mood.
How does it work?
DHEA is a hormone that is changed in the body to other hormones that have estrogen-like or androgen-like actions.
How is it best taken?
  • Take this product with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.
  • Take this product with a full glass of water.
  • Take this product at a similar time every day.
  • Since the effects of this product may take several weeks of regular use, individuals are encouraged to use it for a minimum of 1 month before determining whether it has been effective.
What do I do if I miss a dose?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
What are the precautions when taking this natural product?
  • Check medicines and natural products with healthcare provider. This natural product may not mix well with other medicines or natural products.
  • Use with caution when combining with antidepressant medicines.
  • Use with caution if you have kidney disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use with caution if you have liver disease. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have diabetes. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you have high blood pressure. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Use caution if you are taking hormonal therapy (oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy), if you have a tumor were estrogen makes it grow, endometrial cancer, stroke, thromboembolic disease.
  • You should have a prostate exam and laboratory tests to rule out cancer before using this natural product.
  • This product may make acne worse.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicines or natural products. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
  • Use birth control that you can trust to prevent pregnancy while taking this product.
  • Do not use if you are breast-feeding.
What are the possible side effects of this natural product?
  • Hair loss. Hair usually grows back when product is stopped.
  • Changes in blood pressure.
  • Acne.
  • Change in voice.
  • Liver problems.
What should I monitor?
  • Watch for unusual swelling of the legs or belly, shortness of breath, weight gain, or exercise tolerance.
  • Temperature.
  • Worsening of infection.
  • Periodic breast (monthly self-exam) and yearly gynecologic exams are important.
  • Check blood pressure regularly.
  • Check blood work (liver function). Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider on a regular basis.
Reasons to call healthcare provider
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Severe belly pain.
  • Severe nausea or vomiting.
  • Feeling extremely tired or weak.
  • Dark urine or yellow skin or eyes.
  • Not hungry.
  • No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
How should I store this natural product?
  • Store in original container at room temperature.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
Dietary sources
None known
Dosage forms
Oral
Drug interactions
Androgens, estrogens, corticosteroids, insulin, and oral hypoglycemics
General statements
  • Nutraceuticals are a type of dietary supplement that provide a specific amount of a substance that offers possible health benefits.
  • Nutraceutical products are almost always obtained from plant or animal sources.
  • In general, nutraceutical doses are much higher than the amount that could be obtained from food sources.
  • These products have the potential to provide significant benefits and possible risks. Use nutraceuticals with caution if you are taking pharmaceutical medications (prescription and others), herbs, or other natural products. Always review for potential nutraceutical-drug, nutraceutical-herb, and nutraceutical-natural product interactions with your healthcare provider.
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