DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone that naturally declines with age. Supplementing DHEA can support testosterone, muscle growth, bone density, mood, and energy levels. We've tested the most bioavailable and effective DHEA supplements available.
Top Picks
| Product | Price | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Natrol DHEA 50mg | $8-10 | Quality & absorption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Sports Research DHEA 100mg | $12-15 | Quality & absorption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Bulksupplements DHEA 99% Pure | $10-12 | Quality & absorption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Jarrow Formulas DHEA 25mg | $6-8 | Quality & absorption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Detailed Reviews
Natrol DHEA 50mg
$8-10
Pros:
• Trusted brand
• Affordable
• Clean formula
• No fillers
• Trusted brand
• Affordable
• Clean formula
• No fillers
Cons:
• 50mg standard dose (some need 75mg+)
• Requires multiple capsules
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• 50mg standard dose (some need 75mg+)
• Requires multiple capsules
Sports Research DHEA 100mg
$12-15
Pros:
• Higher potency
• Third-party tested
• Good absorption
• Value option
• Higher potency
• Third-party tested
• Good absorption
• Value option
Cons:
• Can be strong for beginners
• May cause acne at higher doses
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• Can be strong for beginners
• May cause acne at higher doses
Bulksupplements DHEA 99% Pure
$10-12
Pros:
• Pure powder
• Highly customizable dosing
• Excellent value
• No fillers
• Pure powder
• Highly customizable dosing
• Excellent value
• No fillers
Cons:
• Requires powder capsules
• Takes setup time
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• Requires powder capsules
• Takes setup time
Jarrow Formulas DHEA 25mg
$6-8
Pros:
• Conservative dose for sensitive users
• Very affordable
• Quality brand
• Gentle start
• Conservative dose for sensitive users
• Very affordable
• Quality brand
• Gentle start
Cons:
• May need multiple capsules
• Requires stacking for higher doses
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• May need multiple capsules
• Requires stacking for higher doses
Buying Guide
Start with 25-50mg daily and increase gradually. Men typically need 50-100mg, women 25-50mg. Take in the morning with food. Cycle DHEA: 5 days on, 2 days off, or 6 weeks on, 1-2 weeks off to maintain receptor sensitivity. Monitor for acne, mood changes, or hair growth — signs dosage is too high.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is DHEA safe to supplement?
Yes, at recommended doses (25-100mg). Long-term safety at megadoses is less studied. Follow cycling protocols.
Yes, at recommended doses (25-100mg). Long-term safety at megadoses is less studied. Follow cycling protocols.
Q: What does DHEA do?
Precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Supports muscle growth, fat loss, bone density, mood, energy, and libido.
Precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Supports muscle growth, fat loss, bone density, mood, energy, and libido.
Q: How much DHEA should I take?
Start 25mg daily, increase to 50-100mg. Women generally use lower doses. Never exceed 200mg daily.
Start 25mg daily, increase to 50-100mg. Women generally use lower doses. Never exceed 200mg daily.
Q: Best time to take DHEA?
Morning with breakfast for best absorption. DHEA follows a circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning.
Morning with breakfast for best absorption. DHEA follows a circadian rhythm, peaking in the morning.
Q: Can women take DHEA?
Yes, but at lower doses (25-50mg). Monitor for facial hair growth, acne, or voice deepening. Cycle aggressively.
Yes, but at lower doses (25-50mg). Monitor for facial hair growth, acne, or voice deepening. Cycle aggressively.