DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, and its levels decline steadily with age, dropping approximately 10% per decade after age 30. By age 70, DHEA levels are typically 20-30% of peak values.
In the context of TRT, DHEA supplementation is sometimes recommended for men with documented low DHEA-S levels (the sulfated storage form measured in blood tests). Exogenous testosterone does not restore DHEA, and some practitioners believe that maintaining adequate DHEA levels supports overall hormonal health, immune function, mood, and cognitive performance.
Standard supplementation doses range from 25-50 mg daily, taken orally in the morning to mimic the body's natural diurnal rhythm. Higher doses (100 mg+) are generally not recommended as they can raise estradiol and cause androgenic side effects. Blood levels of DHEA-S should be monitored to target the upper-normal range for age.
The evidence for DHEA supplementation is mixed. Some studies show benefits for mood, energy, and body composition in deficient individuals, while others show minimal effect. It's generally considered safe at standard doses, but it's not a replacement for testosterone and should not be expected to meaningfully raise total or free testosterone levels on its own.