Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone secreted by the adrenal glands,a crucial component of our endocrine system, and it’s vital for athletes, as it is linked to the balancing of testosterone and estrogen levels. This balance plays a pivotal role in overall health and performance.
As a personal trainer, I have seen many people make significant differences in their fitness goals by dealing with low DHEA levels.
And while DHEA supplementation can help increase bone density, muscle mass, and lower body fat, you have to be careful which supplement you choose, as not all have the right quality and dosage to achieve balanced hormone levels.
So, our team got together with a few clients and a nutritionist to delve deep into the world of DHEA supplements. We dedicated ourselves to research and test dozens of products over a few months and come up with this list of best DHEA supplements. This comprehensive list is the result of our meticulous efforts.
Our Top DHEA Supplements (September 2023)
1 - Double Wood DHEA (Editor's Choice)
The final one of our DHEA supplements comes from Double Wood,a reputable brand known for its quality products, and the company specifically markets this as a product to fight aging. This focus on anti-aging makes it a standout choice.
We got a lot of positive comments from older men and postmenopausal women who found it helped them with mental clarity.
It comes in a larger 100mg dose that is safe to take but keep in mind that it’s more difficult to adjust your intake to a precise amount.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 100mg
- Targeted at older men and women for healthy aging
- Positive reviews about the physical and mental effect of this hormone balancer
- Large dose and supply should keep you going for six months
- The larger dose makes it difficult to take a lower daily amount
2 - DHEA by Horbaach
This Horbaach product is a maximum strength DHEA supplement and was another popular one with our team. Its potency and effectiveness garnered a lot of positive attention among our testers. We got a lot of positive feedback from clients who noticed improvements in muscle size and sexual function within a few weeks.
That’s probably down to the higher dosage of 100mg, and we had quite a few women tell us that it improved their libido as well. Studies have shown that this could be tied to adrenal insufficiency that DHEA can influence [1].
I would just point out that the capsules contain some gelatin, so these aren’t suitable for vegans.
- Quick Facts:Dosage: 100mg
- Comes in quick-release capsules that seem to make them faster acting
- Produced in a GMP-verified factory for higher quality and purity standards
- Good results for sex hormones and libido in women and men
- Not suitable for vegans
3 - Zhou DHEA Supplement
This high-quality DHEA supplement from Zhou almost made it to the top of our list, but it fell short on value for money. Despite this, its superior quality and effectiveness make it a worthy contender.
However, I had a few men in their 50s and 60s say that they felt improved muscle strength and increased bone density after taking this product for about a month. Some of them also had measured improvements in DHEA levels and steroid hormones.
And the serving size should work well for both men and women, also making it easy to gradually increase the daily intake.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 50mg
- The per-serving dosage is ideal for both men and women
- Plant-based and GMO-free product is ideal for vegan athletes
- Positive comments from older men related to their aging process
- There are no bulk-order options available or subscription discounts
4 - Havasu Nutrition DHEA Supplement
Top of our list of best DHEA supplements is a product from Havasu. It’s a pure DHEA meaning that the company has decided not to mix in other ingredients.
I generally find such products are easy to add to a stack with other supplements. And because of the 50 mg of DHEA per capsule, it’s also easy to take a precise amount if you’ve had a recommendation from a doctor or dietitian [2].
I’ve been taking Havasu Nutrition DHEA consistently for a few months now and found it significantly helped to build lean muscle mass [3].
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 50mg
- Ideal dose for adjusting your daily intake more easily
- The capsules are small and easy to swallow
- Great subscription discounts are available to never run out
- Positive results on increased muscle mass and mental energy
- Free delivery is only available on orders over $35
“Supplementation of DHEA appears to be effective in persons over 40 in the dosage range of 25-50mg, while prolonged usage of 100mg appears to be safe in this demographic.” - Kamal Patel, Editor at Examine.com.
5 - Superior Labs Extra Strength Natural DHEA
This is another maximum strength DHEA for men and women, and we got good results for clients who saw improvements in testosterone levels through blood test results.
This is tied to the effect it has on the body’s adrenal glands which get a boost with peak DHEA levels [4].
What sets it apart from other DHEA supplements is that the company tests each batch and guarantees there are no contaminants, fillers, or heavy metals.
The only downside was that it’s often out of stock.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 100mg
- Higher dose product that would suit performance athletes
- Claims to help with mental and physical energy levels
- Guarantees purity with no additives, fillers, or heavy metals
- It’s regularly out of stock making it difficult to keep up with supplies
6 - Natrol DHEA Mood & Stress
What sets this product apart from the DHEA supplements is that in addition to 25mg of DHEA, it also contains some calcium. But I would highlight that it’s a relatively small dose that might require additional supplements.
We also got a lot of positive feedback about improvements in general mood and reduced levels of stress [5].
You also need to be aware that most people should aim to take 50 mg of DHEA per day, so you might need to plan on taking two tablets a day [6].
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 25mg
- It contains some added calcium to help with lower bone density
- Positive comments about improved mood and mental health
- Tablets are small and easy to swallow without getting stuck
- You might need to take two tablets a day for maximum effect
7 - Pure Encapsulations DHEA Supplement
Pure Encapsulations DHEA claims that using a micronized source, where the particles are smaller, has a better impact on the immune system, fat burning, and the overall testosterone and estrogen balance.
I couldn’t find studies to support that claim, but our test results did show that it helped clients to increase muscle mass and deal with adrenal fatigue.
We also got positive feedback that the small capsules are easy to swallow and make it easier to adjust the daily dose and achieve an ideal hormone balance.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 25mg
- Provides a micronized DHEA source for higher energy levels and better weight loss
- A lower dose makes it easier to gradually increase and decrease daily intake
- The capsules are small and easy to swallow
- The bulk-order bottle is often out of stock, making it more expensive
8 - Extra Strength DHEA by Sheer Strength Store
Unlike other DHEA supplements, Sheer Strength has created a formula to ensure that it’s the highest possible quality with no fillers, gluten, or GMO ingredients. And they also made sure that it’s entirely plant-based to make it suitable for vegans.
The higher dose seems to be a suitable option for women going through menopause or dealing with hormonal imbalances and their impacts on body composition [7].
Just keep in mind that even with the higher dose per capsule, this can work out more expensive than the above recommendations.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 100mg
- Certified GMO and gluten-free as well as vegan suitable
- Ideal for athletes trying to maximize physical performance
- Positive feedback from women about menopausal symptoms like mood swings
- It’s quite expensive even when considering the higher dose
9 - NatureBell DHEA Supplement
This NatureBell DHEA supplement is another one where we got a mix of feedback about the positive impacts on mental health, cognitive function, and muscle building. These are all important things for healthy aging.
It’s also great to see the GMP-certified label and that the company has the product third-party tested for a consistent dose.
I personally found the dose was good for athletic performance, but keep in mind that the capsules are a bit larger than others.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 100mg
- Positive comments from women and men about their sexual function
- Certified all-natural supplement with no GMO or filler ingredients
- Third-party tested for purity and consistent dosage
- The capsules seem to be larger than others we tested
10 - Amazing Formulas Micronized DHEA
This is another product with a lower dose that will either suit those that don’t need to spend on taking DHEA in large amounts or who like to fine-tune their intake.
The company uses third-party testing services to ensure that every batch provides the right purity and dose, which is important to achieve consistent results.
And our clients have commented that it improved libido and overall health within just a few weeks. Just keep in mind that if you need a higher daily dose, then the bottle won’t last that long.
- Quick Facts: Dosage: 25mg
- Low-dose option comes in small and easy to swallow capsules
- Promises premium quality through regular third-party testing
- Positive reviews about improved hormone levels and erectile dysfunction
- Even large bottles won’t last long if you need a higher dose
Buyer’s Guide
There are four important things to look at when you’re trying to decide between different DHEA supplements.
Dosage
Several studies have used doses of up to 200 mg of DHEA for trial purposes, and those are generally classed as safe levels with no side effects [8]. What you’ll notice in the above DHEA supplements is that they range from 25mg to 100mg per capsule.
I generally suggest buying one with 50mg for two reasons.
First of all, it’s a strong enough dose to make a difference in your DHEA levels, even with just one capsule a day.
But most people will need to experiment with gradually increasing doses to find the ideal amount to impact male and female sex hormones. That’s a lot easier with a capsule that contains 50mg.
“DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that is converted by the body into the hormones testosterone and estrogen. DHEA production generally peaks in people in their mid-20s and gradually declines with age.”
- John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP, emedicinehealth.com
Size Of Capsules
One thing you always need to keep in mind with the stronger dose supplements for any kind of product is that they often come in capsules that are more difficult to swallow.
And if you end up adding more products to your stack, then the size of the capsules becomes an important part of your decision process.
The good thing with pure DHEA's highest quality supplements is that a typical 50mg capsule will be small enough to swallow easily.
And even if you take more than one or combine it in a stack, it won’t feel like an effort to get them all down.
Additional Ingredients
You’ll often find supplements like DHEA where companies decide to add some extra ingredients like minerals and vitamins. In some cases, that can work out well. But more often than not, you’ll end up with a small amount of other stuff that isn’t enough to cover your daily needs.
And then you have to invest in another product anyway to get the ideal amount.
Personally, I always suggest that people stick with pure DHEA supplements and take other products for different health benefits. It makes planning and stacking a lot easier, and you gain a lot more insight into how well a specific ingredient is working.
What I mean is that if your adrenal gland function improves after a few weeks on DHEA, then you’re not left in doubt about the impact of other ingredients.
The best way to know what suits you best is to ask for recommendations from a licensed professional. They can consider your current body state and advise what DHEA supplement brand to take from there.
Related Articles: Best Testosterone Booster For Males
FAQs
How Much DHEA Should You Take Daily?
You should take 50mg of DHEA daily if you're just starting. This amount should help increase DHEA levels enough to support normal hormone balances. But if you feel that it's not giving you the results you're looking for, you may consider increasing your intake to 200mg.
How Long Does It Take DHEA to Start Working?
It usually takes about four to six weeks for DHEA to start working. This is the average range from personal testing with clients and generally depends on factors like your age and the severity of hormonal imbalances.
Does DHEA Boost Testosterone?
Yes, DHEA boosts testosterone. Studies have shown that even a moderate intake can significantly affect T-levels as the body uses the DHEA to transform it into testosterone.
Should DHEA Be Taken in the Morning or Night?
Yes, DHEA should be taken in the morning to gain full advantage of its mental and physical effects. One thing you can do is split your intake between morning and evening to maintain a consistent level.
Which DHEA Supplement Should You Buy?
If you want to start taking DHEA supplements and have the greatest flexibility for adjusting the dose, then I would suggest buying the Double Wood. I regularly take it and like the increased physical and mental energy I get.
Out of the list of best DHEA supplements, it also seems to have the highest quality with great subscription discounts.
It’s the one I’ve been taking for several months now, and my clients have all thanked me for the changes it has made to their mental and physical health.
Order yours today and find out how much of a difference it might make on your hormone levels.
Our #1 Recommendation
Double Wood DHEA
- Targeted at older men and women for healthy aging
- Positive reviews about the physical and mental effect of this hormone balancer
- Large dose and supply should keep you going for six months
- Get the BEST PRICE until the end of September
- The larger dose makes it difficult to take a lower daily amount
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