Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)

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What is DHEA?
Where is DHEA produced?
Function of DHEA
DHEA and fertility
DHEA supplementation
Normal DHEA levels
Causes of high DHEA
Causes of low DHEA
When and how to test DHEA
DHEA in traditional Chinese medicine
Acupuncture and DHEA
Diet and lifestyle
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1. What is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a "parent hormone" produced primarily by the adrenal glands and, to a lesser extent, by the ovaries (in women) and testes (in men). DHEA is converted in the body to the more active hormones androstenedione, testosterone and oestrogens. DHEA levels peak in the mid-20s and decline progressively from then onwards — by age 70, levels are typically only 10–20% of those at age 25.

For fertility, DHEA has become an important supplement, particularly for women with low AMH or poor egg quality, where research has shown it can improve egg quality and IVF outcomes.

Reference ranges vary from country to country and between laboratories. Always interpret your own result against the reference range provided by the laboratory that performed your test.

2. Where is DHEA produced?

DHEA is produced primarily in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. Smaller amounts are produced by the ovaries (in women) and testes (in men). DHEA is then converted to its sulphate form (DHEA-S) — the form that circulates in the highest concentrations in the blood and is most commonly measured.

3. Function of DHEA

DHEA is a precursor hormone — it is converted to other active hormones as the body needs them:

Androstenedione → testosterone → oestrogens.
It also has direct effects on mood, immunity, bone density and cognitive function.
It supports follicular development in the ovary by providing local androgens, which are converted to oestrogens by the granulosa cells.

4. DHEA and fertility

For women with low AMH, diminished ovarian reserve or poor IVF response, supplementing DHEA has been shown in research to:

Increase the number of eggs collected during IVF.
Improve egg quality.
Reduce chromosomal abnormalities (aneuploidy) in eggs.
Improve clinical pregnancy rates and live birth rates.
Improve antral follicle count.

The effect appears to be greatest in older women and those with diminished ovarian reserve. DHEA is most effective when taken for at least 6–12 weeks before IVF or attempted natural conception, reflecting the time needed for follicles to mature.

5. DHEA supplementation

DHEA is sold as a supplement (over-the-counter in some countries, prescription only in others). Typical fertility doses are 25–75 mg per day, divided into 2–3 doses with meals. Higher doses are not recommended.

DHEA should not be taken without professional supervision. Side effects can include acne, oily skin, increased facial hair (hirsutism), irregular menstrual cycles, voice changes and ovarian cysts. DHEA should be avoided in:

Women with PCOS or already high testosterone.
Women with a personal or family history of hormone-sensitive cancer.
Women with thyroid disorders, autism in the family, or significant liver disease.
Pregnancy.

Testosterone levels should be checked before starting and monitored during DHEA supplementation. Liquorice can increase the activity of DHEA in the body.

6. Normal DHEA levels

DHEA-S reference ranges vary widely with age and between laboratories. Approximate ranges:

Women aged 25–35: 2.0–10.0 µmol/L (75–375 µg/dL).
Women aged 35–45: 1.5–7.0 µmol/L (50–270 µg/dL).
Women aged 45–55: 1.0–5.0 µmol/L (35–200 µg/dL).

Reference ranges vary from country to country and between laboratories.

7. Causes of high DHEA

High DHEA can be caused by:

DHEA supplementation.
Adrenal hyperplasia or tumours (rare).
Some forms of PCOS.
Severe stress (transiently).

8. Causes of low DHEA

Low DHEA can be caused by:

Normal age-related decline.
Adrenal insufficiency (Addison's disease).
Hypopituitarism.
Long-term steroid medication.
Chronic stress and exhaustion.
Vegan diet (research has shown lower DHEA in vegans).

9. When and how to test DHEA

DHEA-S is measured in a blood test. It can be tested at any time of day or any point in the menstrual cycle, as DHEA-S has a long half-life and stable levels throughout the day.

Reference ranges vary from country to country. Always interpret your own result against the laboratory's reference range and discuss it with your doctor or fertility specialist.

10. DHEA in traditional Chinese medicine

In traditional Chinese medicine, DHEA most closely corresponds to the Kidney Jing (essence) and to a lesser extent to the Kidney Yang. The age-related decline in DHEA matches the TCM understanding of progressive Kidney essence depletion with age. Low DHEA in younger women suggests premature Kidney essence deficiency, often combined with Spleen Qi deficiency from chronic stress and overwork.

11. Acupuncture and DHEA

While there is less direct research on acupuncture and DHEA than on some other hormones, acupuncture supports adrenal function and reduces the chronic cortisol elevation that depletes DHEA. By regulating the HPA axis, acupuncture provides whole-system support to the adrenal production of DHEA.

12. Diet and lifestyle

To support healthy DHEA levels:

Reduce chronic stress, which depletes the adrenal precursors of DHEA.
Sleep before 10 p.m. and aim for seven to eight hours per night.
Eat enough protein, healthy fats and cholesterol — DHEA is built from cholesterol.
Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol and refined sugar.
Take a high-quality multivitamin/multimineral including B vitamins, vitamin C, magnesium and zinc — all required for adrenal hormone production.
If supplementing DHEA for fertility, do so under professional supervision with regular hormone monitoring.