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Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, serving as a precursor to both androgens and estrogens.
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring steroid produced primarily by the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex, with smaller amounts synthesized by the ovaries and the brain.[1] It serves as a precursor that is converted into active androgens and estrogens, including testosterone and estrogen.[1][2] DHEA levels peak in the third decade of life and progressively decline with age, falling by 80 to 90% of peak production by the eighth or ninth decade.[1] This decline has led to interest in DHEA supplementation, although published reviews do not support its use for aging-related disorders in clinical practice.[1]
Prasterone, which is DHEA, is FDA-approved as a vaginal insert for moderate to severe dyspareunia, a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, due to menopause.[2] Systemic DHEA has been studied in adrenal insufficiency, depression and mood, sexual dysfunction, bone density, and immune-related conditions, with inconsistent, small, or modest results, and these uses are off-label.[1][3] A systematic review in postmenopausal women with normal adrenal function found no significant improvement in libido, sexual function, or bone mineral density.[3]
Studies of DHEA in healthy older adults have not shown a benefit in cognitive function, and trials have failed to show benefits on well-being or mood.[1] Its use should be monitored by healthcare professionals because of potential side effects such as mild acne, oily skin, facial hair growth, and ankle swelling, and caution is advised in people with hormone-sensitive cancers.[1] The prasterone vaginal insert is contraindicated in women with a current or past history of breast cancer or with undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding.[2]
In the United States, oral DHEA is sold as a dietary supplement without a prescription.[1] Prescribers should consider patient-specific factors, such as age, sex, and existing health conditions, when recommending DHEA-containing formulations. Bayview compounds DHEA on a prescriber's order.
Compounded at Bayview
Patient guides for the preparations we make most often. Each one is compounded to order and requires a prescription.
For prescribers
Every preparation in our formulary that contains this ingredient. Strength, base and dose form are set by the prescription.
Other salt forms of this molecule, and ingredients commonly compounded alongside it.
This page describes an active pharmaceutical ingredient, not a finished drug product. Bayview Pharmacy compounds preparations containing it only on a prescriber's order for an individual patient.
Compounded preparations are not FDA-approved, and the FDA has not evaluated them for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality. Nothing on this page is a claim that any preparation is effective for any condition.
A valid prescription is required. Availability depends on Bayview's licensure in your state. This page is general information, not medical advice — discuss your situation with a licensed healthcare provider.
Our pharmacists work with prescribers to build preparations around a patient's dose, form and tolerances. Ask us what is possible with this ingredient.
