Best DHEA Supplements for Women

Dehydroepiandrosterone, more commonly known as DHEA, is a hormone produced by our adrenal glands. DHEA helps produce other hormones (like testosterone and estrogen); the levels of DHEA our bodies produce peak in early adulthood, and start to naturally decrease around age 30. 

While this gradual decline in hormone levels is natural, lower levels of DHEA are associated with changes or reductions in mood, cognition, and lifespan, as well as with an increased risk for chronic diseases. 

While our bodies naturally produce DHEA, it can also be found in supplement form. People take DHEA supplements for a variety of concerns, including to access potential anti-aging health benefits, to improve skin health, and to treat a range of conditions ranging from osteoporosis, depression, vaginal atrophy, lupus, obesity, erectile dysfunction, adrenal insufficiency, and more. 

Wondering what the research tells us about the potential benefits of DHEA? We’ll cover that information and answer some common questions, like “How is DHEA for women used?” and “Why take DHEA at night?” below.

Potential Benefits of DHEA

Since our DHEA levels decrease with age, some theorize that taking DHEA supplements might help maintain normal DHEA levels for longer. And since the natural ebb in our body’s production of hormones like DHEA is linked to symptoms like memory loss, slower cognitive functioning, mood changes, low libido, fatigue, erectile dysfunction, vaginal dryness, and osteoporosis, many consider DHEA supplements as a way to less the severity of those symptoms.

More research is needed to determine if DHEA supplementation can indeed provide anti-aging support. However, at least one study has found that DHEA supplements may improve the skin’s hydration and firmness, slow age-related skin thinning, and decrease age spots in older adults.

Some research suggests that DHEA supplements may be more effective at treating symptoms of depression compared to placebo, which may support DHEA as a way to support overall mood health. 

DHEA for Women

There is some early evidence that indicates that DHEA may support improving vaginal dryness in menopausal or postmenopausal women. Because of this, prescription strength DHEA vaginal inserts are available to help increase lubrication and decrease pain during intercourse for postmenopausal women.

Why Take DHEA at Night

You might have heard some people recommend taking DHEA in the evening. Wondering why take DHEA at night? Are there any actual advantages? 

Some people may prefer to take DHEA at night, because they find that it supports their natural circadian sleep-wake rhythm. And because our bodies produce most of our DHEA at night, some prefer taking supplements at that time, to aid the overall process. 

However, there is no reason that you must take DHEA supplements at night. After talking with your doctor about starting any new supplement, feel free to experiment with what time of day you take DHEA during, to find what works best for you.

DHEA Sources

We cannot get DHEA from any dietary sources, so if you want to support your body’s DHEA production, DHEA supplements are the only way to do so. 

Looking for the best DHEA supplement? Remember, the best DHEA supplement for you may depend on a few factors, like your age, gender, and health goal. But for a few great options to get you started, you can’t go wrong with our list below.

Best DHEA Supplement Options

Pure Encapsulations DHEA 5 Mg

DHEA 5 Mg by Pure Encapsulations is made with 99.38% pure, pharmaceutical grade DHEA. Since the human body cannot metabolize wild yam into DHEA, Pure Encapsulations extracts diosgenin from wild yam and puts it through a proprietary synthetic process to develop DHEA, which is micronized to increase absorption. 

Bluebonnet Intimate Essentials DHEA 100 Mg 

Intimate Essentials DHEA 100 Mg from Bluebonnet is a non-GMO, vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, milk-free supplement formulated to support DHEA levels within the normal range for healthy sexual, fertility and hormone function in both men and women. 

Bezwecken DHEA Ovals

If you’re looking for DHEA for women, DHEA Ovals from Bezwecken are a great option. These hydrating suppositories are commonly used to alleviate vaginal dryness in women experiencing menopause. Estrogen-free and progesterone-free, these ovals can be either applied to the skin or inserted vaginally, as directed by a healthcare practitioner. 
DHEA professional supplements may be helpful for women and men. Browse the wide range of DHEA supplements available from the Professional Supplement Center.