Overview

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone that your body naturally produces in the adrenal gland. DHEA helps produce other hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Natural DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and then slowly fall as you age.

A synthetic version of DHEA is available as a tablet, capsule, powder, topical cream and gel.

People use DHEA as an antiaging treatment and to get better physical performance. DHEA also is used to treat depression and symptoms of menopause.