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The benefits of DHEA supplements for men are purported to include hormone balance, sexual health, libido, support for mood, physical performance and energy levels.
DHEA, officially known as dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone made by the adrenal glands and in the brain. In men, a small amount of DHEA is also secreted by the testes.
DHEA acts as a precursor to the production of testosterone and other androgenic hormones. Levels of DHEA begin decreasing in men after age 30, but decline at a slower rate in men than in women, according to the Mayo Clinic. [1]
Men who have certain diseases or disorders that affect hormone levels, such as depression or diabetes, or those who take corticosteroids might have lower levels of DHEA than normal.
DHEA is available to take as an oral supplement on its own or in combination with other ingredients designed to support male health. Men who are interested in using DHEA products should know more about how they work, what kinds of effects they have and what kinds of risks are linked to their use.
Energy
Hormone Balance
Sexual Health- Supports healthy hormone balance
- Improves energy levels & sex drive
- Anti-aging & ergogenic effects
Top DHEA Products* ❯Common Uses of DHEA for Men
This supplement is used for managing low DHEA symptoms in men, which might include depression, anxiety and heart problems.
Low levels of DHEA have been linked to several health conditions in both women and men over 50, such as heart disease, diabetes and memory loss, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. [2]
DHEA is also used for supporting erectile function, which typically occurs in older males. There are studies suggesting it could have benefits for sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction, and desire, but not all studies suggest a benefit.
It has also been used by bodybuilders for building muscle, raising energy levels and losing weight. The related compound 7-Keto-DHEA is more commonly used for fat loss, but does not have any of the purported androgenic effects because it does not get metabolized into testosterone.
Other uses for DHEA supplements in men include boosting mood, depression, reducing abdominal fat and slowing the effects of aging on the brain and body.
Currently, the FDA has not approved the use of this supplement as a drug for the treatment of any specific medical conditions. More research is required to determine therapeutic efficacy of this supplement for many of its popular users.
Benefits of DHEA in Males
DHEA is often promoted as a testosterone-boosting supplement. The body changes DHEA to a hormone called androstenedione, which is used to make testosterone and estrogens.
These sex hormones, which are present in both men and women, help regulate several functions in the body. These include fertility, muscle strength, the distribution of fat, sex drive and bone mass.
Studies have shown mixed results on the effectiveness of DHEA for sexual health, athletic performance, strength and muscle growth. While some clinical trials have made positive findings, others have not.
According to the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, DHEA in men appears to improve erectile dysfunction associated with hypertension or idiopathic ED but does not appear to improve erectile dysfunction associated with neurological disorders or diabetes. [3]
A 2006 study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism showed that taking 50 MG of DHEA alone or with an aromatase inhibitor in older men increased testosterone levels. [4]
Studies have evaluated the effects of this supplement in older adults participating in resistance training exercises. Some researchers reported improvements in grip strength, leg press, and chest press performance, but others found no benefits on these same exercises.
The same is true regarding fat loss findings. While there have been two studies that showed reduced body fat and improved body composition with use of DHEA supplements, other studies have found no or little effect.
According to NMCD, DHEA might be effective at lowering the risk of heart problems in men over 40 by lowering lipid levels. More research is needed to confirm this finding.
How to Take DHEA Pills
DHEA supplements for men are available in different oral forms, such as capsules and tablets. These supplements range in dosage amounts, with some offering 10 mg per dose and others offering up to 100 mg per serving.
The exact dosage of DHEA for men that should be taken varies based on health conditions, age and other factors. Men who want to take these supplements for erectile dysfunction, improved cognition, weight loss or other purposes should consult their doctor to find out how much to take.
Men who are under 40 should have their DHEA levels checked by a doctor first to determine whether these levels are low. This helps doctors determine if DHEA is needed and how much is safe to take.
DHEA supplements for men are typically promoted to support sexual health or help build muscle. Some products claim to improve overall well-being. In addition to oral supplements, sprays and creams containing DHEA are also available and may help to improve the appearance of aging skin.
Based on user reviews, a large percentage of consumers who took these products claim that they are effective at increasing energy, building muscle mass and supporting fat loss. Some consumers state that these products are effective at reducing erectile dysfunction and increasing sex drive.
A small number of consumers indicated that these products did not produce these results or that side effects occurred.
Side Effects of DHEA in Men
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rated DHEA as Possibly Safe when used orally at low doses for up to 6 months. However, use of this supplement at high doses or for long periods of time is rated Possibly Unsafe.
Men who take these products might experience hormonal side effects, such as breast tenderness, breast enlargement, higher levels of aggression, testicular wasting or urinary urgency, according to NMCD. [3]
DHEA use is also associated with other side effects in both men and women, including insomnia, nausea, headaches, mood changes and itchy skin.
The use of this product might also affect cholesterol levels, insulin levels, adrenal hormone levels and thyroid hormone levels. Men who have diabetes, cholesterol problems, adrenal problems or thyroid disorders should consult a doctor before taking these supplements.
NMCD also states that DHEA use could theoretically raise the risk of prostate cancer. [3] This has not been demonstrated conclusively in research studies, but it is a possible risk based on what we know about how this product works.
Men who have a higher risk of prostate cancer, such as those over 50 or those with a family history of aggressive prostate cancer, should check with their doctor before using these supplements.
DHEA supplements have the potential to interact with some types of medications, including insulin, anticoagulants and antidepressants. It might also interact with medications that increase testosterone levels, leading to too much testosterone in the body.
They might also interact with corticosteroids, which are anti-inflammatory medications that might decrease the effects of DHEA supplements.
If you are a man and you are interested in using this supplement to address symptoms of Low Testosterone or “andropause”, it is important to check with a doctor first about the best treatment approach for your needs.
- Mayo Clinic. DHEA Background. 2014.
- University of Maryland Medical Center. Therapeutic Research Center. Dehydroepiandrosterone. 2014.
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database. Therapeutic Research Center. DHEA. 2015.
- Muller, M. et al. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone and atamestane supplementation on frailty in elderly men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2006 Oct; 91(10). 3988-91.
Article last updated on: July 8th, 2018 by Nootriment