The often overlooked key hormone for men
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a naturally occurring hormone produced primarily in the adrenal cortex and serves as a precursor to numerous other hormones—especially testosterone and estrogens . It is often overlooked but plays a crucial role in male health, performance, and aging.
DHEA not only influences hormone production, but also the immune system, muscle mass, mood, libido, and stress management. A deficiency can have subtle but noticeable effects on energy levels, muscle strength, metabolism, and mental stability.
What is DHEA?
DHEA belongs to the steroid hormones and is produced primarily in the adrenal glands, and in smaller amounts in the testes, brain, and skin. It is the basis for the production of:
- Testosterone , the most important male sex hormone
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) , a particularly potent androgen
- Estrogens , especially in middle-aged and older men
The concentration of DHEA is highest between the ages of 20 and 30 and then steadily decreases by about 2% per year .
What is the difference between DHEA and DHEA-S?
- DHEA is the active, short-term effective form in the blood.
- DHEA-S (DHEA sulfate) is a stabilized storage form in blood plasma and is more frequently measured in the laboratory.
Both forms provide information about the hormonal conditions in the body and are particularly informative in combination with testosterone, cortisol and DHT .
Why is DHEA important for men?
DHEA supports many physical and mental functions that are essential for men in everyday life:
- Maintaining testosterone levels in cases of declining testicular function
- Improved stress tolerance (antagonist of cortisol)
- Promoting muscle growth and strength performance
- Protection against inflammatory reactions
- Support for libido and sexual function
- Stabilizing mood and mental energy
- Regulation of bone mass and skin elasticity
Especially in combination with cortisol levels, DHEA acts as a "buffer" against stress-related exhaustion and hormonal imbalance.
What are the symptoms of a DHEA deficiency?
A low DHEA level often goes unnoticed because the symptoms are nonspecific. Common signs in men:
- Fatigue , despite sufficient sleep
- Muscle loss , even with regular training
- Decreasing libido
- Low stress tolerance , nervousness, irritability
- Concentration problems
- Exhaustion after exertion
- Poorer recovery after exercise
- Increased susceptibility to infection or inflammation
A low DHEA level can also occur alongside burnout, chronic stress or long-term testosterone deficiency and should therefore always be investigated in these contexts.
How is DHEA diagnosed?
The most common method is measuring DHEA-S in the blood (serum level). Additionally, the active DHEA level can also be determined, or the ratio to other hormones, e.g.:
- Testosterone / DHEA-S
- Cortisol / DHEA
- DHT / DHEA
DHEA-S levels are relatively stable regardless of the time of day. In cases of suspected adrenal fatigue, stress, or hormonal dysregulation, DHEA is often measured along with cortisol, testosterone, SHBG, and vitamin D.
What values are normal for men?
Reference ranges for DHEA-S vary depending on the laboratory. Typical values are as follows:
Old |
DHEA-S (µg/dl) |
|---|---|
| 20–29 | 280–640 |
| 30–39 | 220–500 |
| 40–49 | 160–450 |
| 50–59 | 90–400 |
| 60+ | 70–310 |
Values below this range indicate a possible hormonal imbalance, especially with simultaneously elevated cortisol or low testosterone.
How can a DHEA deficiency be treated?
1. Lifestyle
DHEA is very sensitive to lifestyle changes. Important factors include:
- Reduction of chronic stress
- Improving sleep rhythm
- Regular, moderate physical activity
- Anti-inflammatory diet (Omega-3, vegetables, little sugar)
- Abstaining from nicotine, alcohol, and excessive endurance training
2. Supplementation
In certain cases, DHEA supplementation may be beneficial, especially for men with:
- chronic fatigue
- accompanying cortisol excess
- Loss of libido despite normal testosterone
- incipient burnout
- Weakness after prolonged stress or illness
DHEA is a prescription medication and should only be taken under medical supervision . Excessive dosage can cause unwanted side effects such as acne, hair loss, or aggression. The appropriate dosage is determined based on laboratory testing (e.g., 10–50 mg/day).
3. Combination with other hormone therapies
DHEA is often used in conjunction with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to restore a physiological hormonal balance, especially when cortisol levels are elevated or the body shows signs of exhaustion.
What should men pay attention to?
A DHEA deficiency is usually not an isolated symptom, but often part of a complex hormonal imbalance that also includes cortisol, testosterone, sleep, diet, and mental stress. Targeted testing and treatment can restore energy, libido, and stress balance, often within a few weeks.
Men between 35 and 60, in particular, should have their testosterone and DHEA levels checked if they experience symptoms such as lack of energy, muscle loss, or loss of libido.
Conclusion
DHEA is an underestimated but crucial hormone for male vitality, resilience, and hormonal balance . A deficiency can lead to noticeable limitations, but it is easily diagnosed and treated.
Those who take early countermeasures benefit from more energy, better libido and increased resilience in everyday life.
