What is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. A DHEA blood test may be used to explore if your DHEA levels are responsible for fatigue, mood changes, or hormonal imbalance.

This article explains:

• What does DHEA do in the body?
• How do DHEA levels vary with age?
• What symptoms are associated with a DHEA imbalance?
• How do I test my DHEA levels?
• How can I naturally improve my DHEA levels?
• What's the best blood test for testing my DHEAS levels?
• DHEA supplements and misconceptions

What does DHEA do in the body?
 

DHEA is the most abundant steroid hormone in the body [1]. Your body uses DHEA to produce sex hormones such as testosterone and oestrogen. Another word for this is precursor or prohormone.

Everybody uses DHEA – men to make more testosterone and women to make more oestrogen. DHEA is especially important for the development of male sex characteristics.

Where is DHEA produced?

DHEA is mainly produced in the adrenal glands. We have two adrenal glands, found on top of each kidney. Small amounts are also produced in the testes and ovaries.

You might have heard of the adrenal glands, as they’re also responsible for producing cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone related to your stress response and immune function. Your adrenal glands also help control heart rate and blood pressure.

You can read everything you need to know about the adrenal glands and the hormones they make in our guide.

How do DHEA levels vary with age?
 

Your DHEA levels gradually rise from birth to early adulthood. They play a role in sex development, reproductive health, and body development. DHEA levels usually peak between the ages of 25 and 30, and then production starts to drop again.

This decline is completely normal.

What symptoms are associated with a DHEA imbalance?
 

Symptoms from a DHEA imbalance may be associated with other conditions and can have multiple causes.

Symptoms associated with high DHEA

The symptoms you may experience from having high DHEA vary depending on your sex. They’re usually linked with excess androgen activity. Many of the symptoms associated with a DHEA imbalance can have multiple causes.

Symptoms of high DHEA may include:

• Acne or oily skin
• Increased facial or body hair growth (hirsutism)
• Hair thinning or scalp hair loss
• Irregular or missed periods
• Mood changes, irritability or restlessness

If you have periods, you might find high levels of DHEA present as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS); however in males the symptoms can be subtle and go unnoticed.

Symptoms of low DHEA

As your levels of DHEA naturally decline with age, it can be difficult to distinguish symptoms of low DHEA.

Symptoms of low DHEA may include:

• Fatigue, low motivation, and low energy
• Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
• Low libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Unexplained weight loss

Because DHEA contributes indirectly to testosterone and oestrogen production, low levels may also coexist with symptoms of low sex hormones.

DHEA Testing

How do I test my DHEA levels?

You can take a DHEAS Blood Test to find out your DHEA levels.

Once DHEA is produced, it’s turned into an inactive form of DHEA known as DHEA sulphate (DHEAS) [2]. This is the form of DHEA we test for to measure your DHEA levels.

Why do I need a DHEA blood test?

The main reason your doctor may order a DHEAS blood test is to investigate your adrenal function and hormone balance. Many DHEA symptoms also relate to other causes, so it’s a good idea to check multiple hormones at once, if possible.

Conditions related to DHEA levels include:

• Cushing’s
• Addison’s
• PCOS
• Thyroid conditions
• Hirsutism

What is a normal DHEA level?
 

Normal levels of DHEA vary by age and sex, and some laboratories may quote different figures based on their equipment, techniques, and chemicals.

What causes a raised DHEA result?
 

There may be a few potential causes for raised DHEA results. If you receive a high DHEA level result, you may need more testing.

Raised DHEA levels may indicate:

• PCOS
• Adrenal tumours (cancerous or non-cancerous)
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Ovarian cancer

What causes a low DHEA result?
 

Low levels of DHEA may also require further testing.

Low DHEA could indicate:

• Addison’s disease
• Pituitary adenomas, including hypopituitarism
• Adrenal fatigue

Additionally, it's common for people with Addison's to have hypothyroidism [1].

How can I naturally improve my DHEA levels?
 

To naturally support your DHEA levels, you can focus on foods and lifestyle changes that improve your adrenal function and balance your hormones.

The best way to nutritionally support your adrenal function and DHEA levels is with a whole-food balanced diet.

Foods to eat to balance DHEA levels include:

• Lean protein
• Leafy greens and colourful veggies
• Whole grains
• Low-sugar fruits
• Healthy fats, such as avocado

Following a Mediterranean diet can be a good way to get these nutrients.

A word on DHEA misconceptions

DHEA production peaks in your mid-20s. And for most of us these levels gradually decline with age. Our levels of testosterone and oestrogen also decline with age. This age-related decline is normal.

But DHEA sometimes gets referred to as the “fountain of youth hormone”, or “anti-ageing hormone”, and supplement manufacturers market DHEA supplements with claims of boosting your energy, sex drive, and weight loss.

Do DHEA supplements work?

The truth is, there is little evidence to back up anti-ageing claims. Taking DHEA may affect your hormone levels and possible side effects include cholesterol and liver changes, mood swings, and high blood pressure.

Women who use DHEA supplements may experience:

• Voice changes
• Hair loss
• Facial hair growth

Men may experience:

• Breast enlargement
• Shrunken testicles
• Reduced sperm production

Always consult your doctor before starting new supplements. It’s a good idea to take a blood test and determine your baseline before starting any new supplement regime.

 

---

References

1. DHEA Deficiency - Thyroid UK. 24 Sep 2019 [accessed 15 Jan 2026].
2. Bennett G, Cussen L, O’Reilly MW. The role for long-term use of dehydroepiandrosterone in adrenal insufficiency. Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Obesity. 2022;29: 284–293. 
3. Cushing’s syndrome. In: nhs.uk [Internet]. 23 Oct 2017 [accessed 21 Jan 2026]. 
4. Addison’s disease. In: nhs.uk [Internet]. 22 Jun 2018 [accessed21 Jan 2026].
5. Goodarzi MO, Carmina E, Azziz R. DHEA, DHEAS and PCOS. The Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. 2015;145: 213–225. doi:10.1016/j.jsbmb.2014.06.003