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Understanding DHEA: What the Research Shows

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is a hormone produced naturally by your body. Your adrenal glands—two small glands that sit on top of your kidneys—make DHEA throughout the day. Your body then converts DHEA into other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. DHEA levels are highest when you're in your 20s and 30s, then gradually decline as you age. By the time you reach 70, your DHEA levels may be only 10 to 20 percent of what they were at their peak.

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Scientific research on DHEA has been ongoing for decades. A landmark study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 2006 followed 1,812 adults over 70 years old for two years. Researchers gave some participants DHEA supplements while others received a placebo. The study found that DHEA supplementation had modest effects on muscle mass and bone density, though the changes were small. Other research has looked at DHEA's potential role in aging, metabolism, and muscle strength.

Multiple clinical trials have examined DHEA in different populations. Studies have investigated whether DHEA might support bone health, cardiovascular function, and cognitive performance. The research results vary—some studies show minor benefits in specific areas, while others show no significant differences between DHEA and placebo groups. A 2017 review published in the journal Hormones and Cancer examined over 100 DHEA studies and found that while DHEA is involved in numerous biological processes, many claims about its benefits need more research to confirm.

For men specifically, researchers have explored whether DHEA might relate to muscle function, sexual health, and mood. One study in the journal Aging Male tracked 40 men over 65 and found that higher DHEA levels were associated with better self-reported sexual function, though this was a correlation rather than proof of cause and effect. Other research suggests that DHEA may play a role in how men's bodies use insulin and manage weight, though more studies are needed in this area.

Practical takeaway: DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone that declines with age. Current research shows mixed results about supplementation, with some studies suggesting minor effects in specific areas. Understanding what the actual research demonstrates—rather than marketing claims—is the first step in making informed decisions about DHEA.

How DHEA Levels Change as Men Age

DHEA production follows a predictable pattern throughout a man's lifetime. During teenage years and early adulthood, DHEA levels climb steadily. Research shows that DHEA peaks between ages 20 and 30, when levels typically range from 300 to 400 micrograms per deciliter (μg/dL) of blood, depending on the time of day and individual variation. After age 30, levels begin a gradual decline that continues throughout life.

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The decline in DHEA is consistent and measurable. Studies tracking men over decades show an average decrease of about 10 to 20 percent per decade after age 30. A man at age 50 typically has DHEA levels about 25 to 30 percent lower than he did at age 25. By age 70, most men have levels only 10 to 20 percent of their peak. This pattern holds true across different populations and has been documented in research spanning multiple countries and ethnic groups.

Several factors influence how quickly DHEA declines in individual men. Lifestyle factors appear to play a role—men who exercise regularly and maintain healthy weights tend to have slightly higher DHEA levels than sedentary men. Stress levels may also matter; some research suggests that chronic stress can lower DHEA. Sleep quality, overall health status, and certain medications can all influence DHEA levels. However, the basic aging pattern—gradual decline after age 30—is nearly universal.

Scientists have studied what happens to the body as DHEA declines. Some researchers call this "adrenopause," comparing it to menopause in women, though the process is gradual rather than abrupt. The decline in DHEA coincides with other age-related changes: decreased muscle mass, changes in bone density, shifts in metabolism, and changes in mood and energy. However, scientists have not definitively established that low DHEA causes these changes, or that raising DHEA would reverse them.

Measuring your own DHEA levels requires a blood test. DHEA levels can vary significantly depending on the time of day—levels are typically highest in the morning and decline throughout the day. A single test provides a snapshot rather than a complete picture. Some doctors recommend DHEA-S (DHEA sulfate) testing instead, since DHEA-S is more stable throughout the day and easier to measure consistently.

Practical takeaway: DHEA naturally declines as men age, typically dropping about 10 to 20 percent per decade after age 30. Understanding your personal DHEA level requires a blood test, and knowing this baseline can help you track changes over time and have informed conversations with your healthcare provider.

Research on DHEA and Muscle Mass in Men

One of the most commonly discussed areas of DHEA research in men involves muscle mass and strength. As men age, muscle mass gradually decreases—a process called sarcopenia. Men lose approximately 3 to 8 percent of muscle mass per decade after age 30, with the rate increasing after age 60. Since DHEA is involved in muscle protein synthesis, researchers have investigated whether raising DHEA levels might slow or reverse this loss.

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Clinical trial results have been mixed. A 2000 study published in the New England Journal of Medicine involved 280 men and women over age 60 who received either DHEA or placebo for one year. Researchers found that men taking DHEA experienced a small but measurable increase in lean body mass—about 1.6 kilograms (3.5 pounds)—compared to the placebo group. However, the increase in strength was minimal. Women in the study showed more pronounced changes in lean mass but also developed acne more frequently.

Other studies have produced less impressive results. A 2006 study following 1,812 adults over 70 for two years found that DHEA supplementation resulted in only a 1.4 kilogram increase in lean mass for men, with no significant change in muscle strength or physical performance. Another study in 2007 examining 57 older men found no significant differences in muscle strength between the DHEA and placebo groups. The variation in results suggests that DHEA's effects on muscle, if they exist, may be small and may vary depending on individual factors.

Researchers have also studied DHEA in combination with exercise. Several studies examined whether DHEA supplementation might enhance the muscle-building effects of resistance training. The results have been inconsistent. Some studies suggest that DHEA plus exercise might produce slightly better results than exercise alone, while other studies find no additive effect. The overall body of evidence suggests that if DHEA has an effect on muscle mass, it is modest compared to the effects of regular resistance training.

The mechanisms by which DHEA might affect muscle are still being researched. DHEA is a precursor to testosterone, and testosterone is known to support muscle protein synthesis. However, DHEA supplementation does not always increase testosterone levels significantly—conversion rates vary among individuals. Additionally, muscle is complex tissue affected by many factors including age, nutrition, exercise, hormones, and genetics. No single hormone or supplement appears to be a primary determinant of muscle health in aging men.

Practical takeaway: Research suggests DHEA supplementation may produce small increases in lean body mass in some men, but effects on actual strength and muscle function are minimal. Resistance training and adequate protein intake remain the most evidence-supported approaches for maintaining muscle as men age.

DHEA, Bone Health, and Metabolic Function

Bone health becomes increasingly important for men as they age. While osteoporosis is often associated with women, men can develop weak bones too. Approximately one in four men over age 50 will experience a bone fracture related to osteoporosis. Since DHEA plays a role in bone mineral density, researchers have investigated whether DHEA supplementation might help maintain bone strength in aging men.

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The research on DHEA and bone density shows modest positive associations. A 2000 study found that men taking DHEA for one year experienced a small but measurable increase in bone mineral density at