Should you supplement with DHEA? It’s a question more of our patients are asking as they look for ways to improve their energy, strength, and hormone balance.
DHEA is one of the most abundant hormones in the body and acts as a building block for testosterone—which is why it’s often linked to men’s performance and vitality.
The challenge is that not everyone benefits from DHEA supplements, and taking them unnecessarily can backfire. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this hormone, what it does, and whether it belongs in your supplement stack.
What Is DHEA and What Does It Do in the Body?
Before deciding whether to take supplements for hormone health, you should know what you’re supplementing. Short for dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA is a steroid hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands.
It helps maintain healthy hormone levels, supports the stress response system, and serves as a building block for hormones like testosterone and estrogen.
Your DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and gradually decline as you age. This drop is one reason men may notice changes in their energy, strength, mood, or libido over time. Because it’s directly connected to hormone production, this hormone is often considered a potential support player for men looking to optimize their health.
Symptoms of Low DHEA Levels in Men
If your body isn’t making enough DHEA, you’ll usually feel it in more ways than one. Since this hormone plays a role in energy, mood, and hormone production, low levels can leave you feeling “off” without knowing exactly why.
Some of the most common symptoms of low DHEA include:
- Constant fatigue
- Lower sex drive or ED
- Mood swings or brain fog
- Muscle weakness and weight gain
- Weaker bones
If these symptoms resonate with you, it may be worth testing your levels. At Victory Men’s Health, we use advanced lab testing to uncover hormone imbalances that could be holding you back. Then, we create a personalized treatment plan to help restore balance and get you feeling like yourself again.
Can DHEA Boost Testosterone Levels in Men?
DHEA and testosterone are both androgens, but supplementing with DHEA doesn’t significantly increase testosterone levels. While many men try it hoping for a direct boost, research shows its effect on testosterone is minimal.
That said, DHEA is still an important hormone in its own right. It supports muscle gain, fat loss, mood, energy, sexual health, and even adrenal function by helping regulate cortisol. So while it may not spike testosterone, optimizing your DHEA levels can still play a valuable role in your overall hormone balance and vitality.
Want a deeper dive into how DHEA fits into the bigger picture of hormone optimization? Check out the Women Want Strong Men podcast episode below to learn more about when supplements can help—and when alternatives may be the smarter move.
What Are the Benefits of Taking DHEA Supplements?
If you’ve been feeling run-down, struggling to build muscle, or noticing shifts in your hormones, DHEA supplements might be able to help. This powerful hormone precursor supports your body in restoring balance, improving strength, and even sharpening energy levels.
Potential benefits of supplementing with DHEA include:
- Improved energy and reduced fatigue
- Better mood and more stable outlook
- Enhanced libido and sexual performance
- Support for workout recovery and lean muscle maintenance
- Hormone balance during aging
However, it’s worth noting that DHEA supplement benefits won’t look the same for everyone. While some men experience noticeable improvements, others may see little change if their levels weren’t low enough for supplementation to begin with.
What Are the Side Effects?
Side effects are uncommon when DHEA is prescribed and monitored properly. Problems typically arise with over-the-counter use or unmonitored dosing, which is why provider oversight and high-quality supplements matter. Side effects can include acne, oily skin, hair loss, mood swings, and disrupted sleep.
Should You Supplement with DHEA?
Bottom line? Your body naturally produces DHEA, so supplementing isn’t always necessary. That said, if your labs show low levels, it can be an effective tool for supporting energy, mood, libido, and overall hormone health.
At Victory Men’s Health, we eliminate the guesswork by using advanced lab testing to determine whether supplementation makes sense for you. For most men, it’s not an either-or decision.
Optimizing testosterone and DHEA together often delivers the best results. Supporting both hormones can enhance your energy, mood, muscle mass, and overall vitality as you age.
What’s the Best Dosage of DHEA for Men?
Dosage is one of the trickiest parts of supplementing with DHEA. Most over-the-counter options are way stronger than what most men need. And just like with testosterone, “normal” isn’t always optimal. Even if your levels fall within the normal range, supplementation can still be beneficial—especially as you age.
For most men, an optimal DHEA level is around 400 to 600 ng/dL. That’s why it’s best to work with a men’s health provider who can tailor your dosage and monitor your labs over time.
Why Testing Comes First
When it comes to optimizing your hormone balance, testing is the foundation of any safe, effective treatment. Advanced hormone panels measure not only DHEA but also testosterone, estrogen, and other markers that impact your overall health.
Starting with testing means avoiding the risks of over-supplementing or taking daily supplements you don’t actually need. We build treatment plans for our patients based on data, so you’re never left guessing about what your body really needs.
What to Look For
A quality supplement will come from a trusted source, be properly dosed, and use a form your body can actually absorb—like our micronized DHEA supplement.
Unlike standard forms, micronized DHEA is broken down into smaller particles, so it’s easier for your body to absorb and use. This means you get more consistent results without having to increase your dose.
Common Questions About DHEA Supplements for Men
What Should You Stack DHEA With?
Some men stack DHEA with zinc, vitamin D3, or omega-3s to support hormone balance and overall health. The right stack depends on your lab work, symptoms, lifestyle, and goals, so it’s important to work with a healthcare provider to build your ideal supplement stack.
Will DHEA Raise Testosterone?
It can raise testosterone in some men, but the effect varies. Men with low DHEA tend to benefit the most, while men with normal levels may see little change and may be at higher risk for side effects like acne, hair loss, or hormone imbalance if they supplement unnecessarily.
What’s the Best Way to Absorb DHEA?
This hormone is fat-soluble, so it’s best taken with a meal that includes healthy fats. High-quality capsules from a trusted provider generally offer the most reliable absorption.
Is DHEA Safe to Take Every Day?
Yes, daily use is safe and often recommended when monitored by a qualified provider. Regular lab work helps ensure your levels stay in the optimal range and prevents imbalances over time.
How Is DHEA Different From Testosterone Therapy?
DHEA and testosterone are both androgen hormones: DHEA is produced by the adrenal glands, while testosterone comes from the testicles. DHEA isn’t as powerful as testosterone, but both are essential for optimal health.
Think of testosterone as the lead singer and DHEA as the drummer—you need both for a cohesive performance. Focusing on testosterone alone without optimizing DHEA can lead to an incomplete response, which is why balancing both through hormone optimization therapy delivers the best results.
Take Charge of Your Hormone Health Today
So, should you supplement with DHEA? The answer depends on your body and lab results. While supplementing this adrenal hormone can provide real benefits for some men, it’s not the right move for everyone—and taking it blindly can do more harm than good.
At Victory Men’s Health, we take the guesswork out of your hormone health. With advanced testing, pharmaceutical-grade supplements, and personalized treatment plans, we help men across Illinois, Missouri, and beyond regain their energy, strength, and confidence.
Ready to take control of your health? Book a consultation today to find out whether DHEA or hormone optimization therapy is the best path forward for you.
