Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Oral Capsules

What Is DHEA?

DHEA is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. The body converts it into androgens and estrogens in many tissues. Levels peak in early adulthood and fall with age.

How It Works

DHEA is a precursor, not an end hormone. It is activated into sex steroids in a wide variety of peripheral tissues and the gonads, and also has neurosteroid properties. Oxford Academic

Why Compound It?

DHEA is sold over the counter as a supplement, so compounding is chosen when a prescriber wants a specific custom strength, a pharmaceutical-grade preparation made to a prescription, or a dye-free capsule.

What Do Guidelines Say?

The Endocrine Society suggests a trial of DHEA in women with primary adrenal insufficiency who have low libido, depressive symptoms, or low energy despite otherwise optimized glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid replacement, with a 6-month trial, stopping if there is no sustained benefit, and monitoring morning DHEAS levels. Separately, guidelines recommend against routine DHEA use, citing insufficient evidence on safety and efficacy in healthy women or those with adrenal insufficiency. Use is the prescriber's clinical decision. PubMed CentralEndocrinologyadvisor

Who Prescribes It?

Endocrinology, OB/GYN, reproductive medicine, functional/integrative medicine, primary care, and NPs, PAs, and NDs.

Key Safety Notes

DHEA converts to androgens and estrogens, so effects can include acne or unwanted hair growth, and it is generally avoided in hormone-sensitive conditions. It is banned by anti-doping agencies for competitive athletes. The prescriber sets dosing and monitoring.

Quality

Made only by prescription in Mixwell's USP <795>- and <800>-compliant lab. Non-sterile pharmacy; no injectables. Not FDA-reviewed as a compounded drug. No result is promised, and this is not claimed to be better than commercial products.

References

1. Bornstein SR, Allolio B, Arlt W, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Primary Adrenal Insufficiency: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2016;101(2):364–389.
2. Wierman ME, Arlt W, Basson R, et al. Androgen Therapy in Women: A Reappraisal: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2014;99(10):3489–3510.