Safety and side effects

DHEA is a hormone. Use of this supplement might raise levels of androgen and have a steroid effect. Taking high doses of DHEA or using it for a long time might raise the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers, such as prostate and breast cancers, but more research is needed. If you have a type of hormone-sensitive cancer, don't use DHEA.

Don't use DHEA if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

Consider avoiding use of DHEA if you have high cholesterol or a condition that affects the supply of blood to the heart (ischemic heart disease). DHEA might reduce high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good," cholesterol levels.

Use of DHEA also might worsen mental health conditions and raise the risk of mania in people who have mood disorders.

DHEA also might cause oily skin, acne and unwanted, male-pattern hair growth in women (hirsutism).