Hormone, anabolic & androgen-receptor research compounds
DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)
Also known as dehydroepiandrosterone · DHEA-S · prasterone
An adrenal steroid prehormone that the body converts into androgens and oestrogens; levels fall steadily with age.
In 60 seconds
Studied in randomised trials in fertility (poor ovarian reserve), ageing and stress; sold as a supplement in some countries and scheduled in others. As a sex-steroid precursor it carries androgenic and oestrogenic effects; trial results across indications are mixed.
- Reviews DHEA/DHEAS production in the adrenal cortex and their roles as sex-hormone precursors.
- A randomised placebo-controlled trial assessed DHEA on IVF outcomes in women with predicted poor ovarian response.
- A randomised field study measured DHEA supplementation during stressful military training.
Mechanism
DHEA and its sulfate (DHEAS) are made mainly in the adrenal cortex (and in the brain, as neurosteroids). No dedicated receptor has been identified; most effects come from conversion to testosterone and oestradiol in tissues.
Research status
Studied in randomised trials in fertility (poor ovarian reserve), ageing and stress; sold as a supplement in some countries and scheduled in others.
Key studies
Reviews DHEA/DHEAS production in the adrenal cortex and their roles as sex-hormone precursors.
The Sex Hormone Precursors Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Its Sulfate Ester Form (DHEAS): Molecular Mechanisms and Actions on Human Body — Int J Mol Sci, 2025 · PMID 40943486
A randomised placebo-controlled trial assessed DHEA on IVF outcomes in women with predicted poor ovarian response.
Efficacy of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to overcome the effect of ovarian ageing (DITTO): A proof of principle double blinded randomized placebo controlled trial — Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol, 2017 · PMID 28934714
A randomised field study measured DHEA supplementation during stressful military training.
Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation during stressful military training: a randomized, controlled, double-blind field study — Stress, 2012 · PMID 21790446
A randomised trial tested DHEA’s efficacy and safety in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia.
A randomized controlled trial of dehydroepiandrosterone in postmenopausal women with fibromyalgia — J Rheumatol, 2005 · PMID 15996074
Safety signals in the literature
As a sex-steroid precursor it carries androgenic and oestrogenic effects; trial results across indications are mixed.
Legal status (South Africa)
Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
Questions
What is DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
An adrenal steroid prehormone that the body converts into androgens and oestrogens; levels fall steadily with age. DHEA and its sulfate (DHEAS) are made mainly in the adrenal cortex (and in the brain, as neurosteroids). No dedicated receptor has been identified; most effects come from conversion to testosterone and oestradiol in tissues.
What is the research status of DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Studied in randomised trials in fertility (poor ovarian reserve), ageing and stress; sold as a supplement in some countries and scheduled in others.
What safety signals are reported for DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
As a sex-steroid precursor it carries androgenic and oestrogenic effects; trial results across indications are mixed.
Does Living Water Labs stock DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)?
Not at present. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) is profiled here for reference, with citations to the published literature. Androgens and anabolic steroids are scheduled substances in South Africa (prescription-only under the Medicines and Related Substances Act) and are prohibited in sport. SARM-class compounds are unapproved for human use anywhere. Educational content only — no use guidance.
More in Hormone & anabolic
Research reference only. This page summarises published literature; it is not medical advice and contains no guidance on human use. Products supplied by Living Water Labs are for laboratory research only.