10 Best Dhea Supplements 2024 in the US

We all would like to delay Father Time and maintain our youthfulness as much as possible. But, as we get older, our body produces certain hormones in smaller amounts. Without some sort of supplement, we’ll start to feel the effects. DHEA (known by the chemical name Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands. The body forms it from cholesterol and uses it as a “precursor”, to produce the hormones testosterone and estrogen. We produce a peak amount of DHEA in our early 20s--but it decreases rapidly from then on, at a rate of 2% per year. We’ll look at some of the advantages of DHEA supplements, a sampling of some of the best DHEA supplements on the market, how they differ from one another, and how to select the best one for your needs.

What types of DHEA Supplements are there?

As you can see from the MSN list of the best DHEA supplements, you can find DHEA supplements in a number of different forms and dosages:

• Capsules: The most popular form of DHEA supplements is in capsule form. Pure Encapsulations makes DHEA supplements in 10 mg doses. It is free from any allergens and comes in a vegetarian capsule from cellulose.

Pure Encapsulations DHEA supplement

There are higher doses, such as Truevantage’s DHEA + Pregnenolone, giving you 100 mg of DHEA in each capsule. Pregnenolone is converted by the body into progesterone. It may help regulate hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause.

Truevantage’s DHEA + Pregnenolone

• Tablets: You can find DHEA supplements in tablet form. An example is the Natrol DHEA, available in 10 mg, 25 mg, or 50 mg sizes. This particular brand contains 60 mg of calcium as well.

Natrol DHEA Tablets

• Powder: You can also find DHEA in powdered form. An example is the BulkSupplements DHEA Powder. It comes in a 10-gram package. The recommended daily dosage is 50 milligrams, so you have 200 servings in one package, although you can take larger or smaller doses, according to your health goals. The powder doesn’t dissolve well in water, so it’s preferable to buy capsules and fill them yourself with the desired dosage.

BulkSupplements DHEA Powder

• Topical Cream/Suppositories: We mentioned how DHEA can help skin retain its moisture. DHEA is available in cream form, to be applied directly onto your skin. And DHEA can help with vaginal atrophy and dryness, as well as increase sensitivity to sexual stimulation. You can get DHEA as a topical or vaginal cream, or suppository, as produced by Empower Pharmacy.

Empower Pharmacy Topical DHEA Creams

Are there any Preferences in Selecting DHEA Supplements?

There are some pointers that experts offer in choosing a DHEA supplement:

• Micronized supplements: You’ll notice that some DHEA supplements advertise that they are “micronized”. This means that the particle sizes of the capsule have been reduced. This allows the body to absorb the hormone more quickly and efficiently, with less of it being lost in the digestive process. An example is the Sheer Strength Labs Sheer DHEA Extra Strength.

 Sheer Strength Labs Sheer DHEA Extra Strength

• Finding the right dosage: You’ll notice that supplements come in a variety of dosages. It’s recommended to start with a small dose for 3-6 weeks, and then to take a blood test to see what is your current level of DHEA. You don’t want to take more than what is your optimal DHEA level. You’ll also be wasting money, by buying a supplement dosage that’s too high for your needs.

Can everyone take DHEA Supplements?

Taking DHEA supplements may produce certain side effects. Some are just unpleasant, while others can be an actual health risk, depending on your medical history and possible drug interactions. Even though DHEA is available over-the-counter, it’s best to consult a doctor before starting taking any DHEA supplement.

Possible unpleasant side effects include:

• Excess sebum production: Sebum is a waxy secretion produced by the sebaceous glands in your skin. Testosterone stimulates sebum production, so it’s no surprise that more DHEA will mean more testosterone, and it will make your skin more oily as well.

• Acne pimples: Acne is caused by sebum not being excreted properly in the pores of your skin. So, increased sebum production can also cause acne.

• Headaches: Men who have too much testosterone may experience headaches. Since DHEA is converted to testosterone, headaches may be an undesirable side effect.

There are also risks to taking DHEA supplements, for certain members of the population:

• May reduce HDL: High-density lipoprotein, or HDL, is responsible for removing fat molecules, and is associated with removing plaques that cause heart disease from the circulatory system. There is a correlation between DHEA supplements and lower HDL levels in the blood. If you have high blood cholesterol or a heart condition due to limited blood supply to the heart, it’s best not to take a DHEA supplement.

• Risk to diabetics: There may be an adverse reaction between DHEA and medicine for diabetics. Also, DHEA may cause "insulin resistance", where your body's tissues have difficulty absorbing glucose from your blood. It puts an even greater strain on the pancreas. Therefore, diabetics should consult a physician to verify if a DHEA supplement is recommended.

• Drug interactions: DHEA can potentially be involved in a number of drug interactions, especially in people taking medication for epilepsy, psychoactive drugs, or antipsychotics. You should consult a doctor before taking DHEA.

• Risk of hormonal imbalance: Since DHEA is converted into hormones, DHEA supplements are not recommended for people who are already taking hormone supplements, such as hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills. Also, people with a risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as cancers of the prostate, breast, or ovaries, should avoid DHEA supplements.

• Risks specific to women: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not take DHEA supplements, out of concern that it may adversely affect their child. Also, women may experience growth of facial hair when taking DHEA supplements.

• Risks specific to men: Since DHEA is converted to estrogen, it may cause men to develop breast tissue. It can also lower a man’s sperm count. And if a man is already taking testosterone, he should avoid DHEA supplements, since it may cause more aggressive behavior.

Wrap Up

We’ve seen what functions DHEA has in the body, and why you may have to take DHEA supplements, especially as you get older and the body doesn’t produce as much anymore. We’ve seen the substantial benefits that you can achieve. As long as you don’t have any existing conditions, check out the MSN list of the best DHEA supplements, and you’re sure to find the supplement that suits you best.