What it is
An endogenous adrenal steroid serving as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. Available over-the-counter as an oral supplement and by prescription as an intravaginal insert (Intrarosa).
How it works
Converted peripherally to androstenedione and onward to testosterone and estradiol via steroidogenic enzymes. Also has direct neurosteroid effects at GABA-A and sigma receptors.
Where it's used
Used as a dietary supplement and studied in research for adrenal insufficiency, mood, and age-related hormonal decline. Intrarosa is FDA-approved for postmenopausal dyspareunia.
FDA-approved use
Prasterone (Intrarosa, intravaginal insert) is FDA-approved for moderate-to-severe dyspareunia due to vulvar and vaginal atrophy of menopause. Oral DHEA is regulated as a dietary supplement.
Tracking it
DHEA is oral, which makes consistency the whole game — a simple daily check-off with a reminder beats memory every time. with a half-life of about 12 hours, a dose log also lets a tracker model the relative amount still in your system between doses.
Source
OpenFDA
Last reviewed 2026-06-11