Background
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone in humans, produced primarily by the adrenal glands. Plasma DHEA-S levels peak in the 20s and decline approximately 80% by age 75 — a phenomenon termed “adrenopause.” DHEA serves as a precursor to both androgens (testosterone) and estrogens.
The DHEAge study was the first large, placebo-controlled RCT to evaluate the effects of DHEA supplementation in healthy elderly men and women, addressing whether restoring youthful DHEA levels produces physiological benefits.
Methods
Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial at the Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), France. Healthy older adults aged 60–79. DHEA 50 mg/day oral vs. placebo for 12 months.
Outcomes: bone mineral density (DXA), skin parameters (hydration, thickness, sebum), libido, cognitive function, insulin sensitivity, lipids.
Key Findings
| Outcome | DHEA 50 mg | Placebo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMD (femoral neck, women >70) | +2.4% | −0.1% | p=0.02 |
| BMD (lumbar spine, women >70) | Improved | No change | — |
| Skin hydration | Increased (both sexes) | No change | — |
| Sebum production | Increased (both sexes) | No change | — |
| Libido (self-report) | Improved significantly (women) | No change | — |
| Cognitive tests | No significant change | — | — |
| Insulin sensitivity | No significant change | — | — |
Clinical Significance
DHEAge established DHEA’s most clinically meaningful benefit: bone protection in older women, a population at high risk for osteoporotic fracture. The skin improvements support its continued use in cosmetic and anti-aging contexts.
The lack of cognitive benefit was notable, as DHEA had been widely promoted as a “memory hormone” based on preclinical data — DHEAge helped calibrate expectations.
Limitations
- 50 mg may not be optimal for all endpoints; dose-response not fully characterized
- 12 months may be insufficient to detect cognitive or cardiovascular changes
- Effects on libido were sex-specific (significant in women, not men) — unexpected finding
- DHEA converts to sex steroids; long-term hormone exposure implications not fully assessed