{"id":32017,"date":"2025-07-21T12:47:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-21T19:47:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/what-to-expect-when-using-vaginal-dhea-or-estradiol-copy"},"modified":"2026-09-08T05:24:10","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:24:10","slug":"the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment","title":{"rendered":"The Role of DHEA in Perimenopause Treatment: What Women Should Know"},"content":{"rendered":"<p data-start=\"139\" data-end=\"426\"><a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/how-to-track-hormone-levels-during-perimenopause-and-why-it-matters\">Perimenopause<\/a> can feel like a whirlwind\u2014shifting hormones, unexpected mood swings, low energy, and diminishing libido are just a few common complaints. While estrogen and progesterone usually get the spotlight, another important player in hormonal health often gets overlooked: DHEA.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"428\" data-end=\"690\">Short for dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a building block for both estrogen and testosterone, making it highly relevant during perimenopause when these sex hormones begin to fluctuate.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"692\" data-end=\"821\">Let\u2019s explore what <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/what-to-expect-when-using-vaginal-dhea-or-estradiol\">DHEA<\/a> is, how it changes with age, its potential benefits for women in perimenopause, and how to use it safely.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"what-is-dhea-and-what-does-it-do\" data-start=\"828\" data-end=\"865\">What is DHEA and What Does It Do?<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"867\" data-end=\"1092\">DHEA is often referred to as a precursor hormone because the body converts it into estrogen and testosterone\u2014both critical for women\u2019s reproductive and overall health. DHEA also supports other body functions, including:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1229\">\n<li data-start=\"1094\" data-end=\"1115\">\n<p data-start=\"1096\" data-end=\"1115\">Mood regulation<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1116\" data-end=\"1135\">\n<p data-start=\"1118\" data-end=\"1135\">Energy levels<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1136\" data-end=\"1160\">\n<p data-start=\"1138\" data-end=\"1160\">Cognitive function<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1161\" data-end=\"1188\">\n<p data-start=\"1163\" data-end=\"1188\">Immune system support<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1189\" data-end=\"1209\">\n<p data-start=\"1191\" data-end=\"1209\">Skin integrity<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1210\" data-end=\"1229\">\n<p data-start=\"1212\" data-end=\"1229\"><a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/can-dhea-really-help-with-low-sex-drive-in-women\">Sexual health<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"1231\" data-end=\"1475\">Because of its broad influence, DHEA is sometimes considered a part of natural hormone therapy. It\u2019s available in supplement form, and some formulations are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.webmd.com\/drugs\/2\/drug-173746\/intrarosa-vaginal\/details\">FDA-approved<\/a> for specific medical uses, like treating vaginal atrophy in menopause.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-dhea-levels-change-with-age\" data-start=\"1482\" data-end=\"1517\">How DHEA Levels Change with Age<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"1519\" data-end=\"1806\">Women typically reach peak DHEA production in their mid-to-late 20s, after which levels gradually decline\u2014dropping by as much as 80% by the time they reach their 70s. This decline usually becomes noticeable in the late 30s and 40s, aligning with early perimenopausal changes.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"1808\" data-end=\"1876\">The reduction in DHEA contributes to common perimenopausal symptoms:<\/p>\n<ul data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1999\">\n<li data-start=\"1878\" data-end=\"1891\">\n<p data-start=\"1880\" data-end=\"1891\">Fatigue<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1892\" data-end=\"1910\">\n<p data-start=\"1894\" data-end=\"1910\">Lower libido<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1911\" data-end=\"1944\">\n<p data-start=\"1913\" data-end=\"1944\">Mood swings or irritability<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1945\" data-end=\"1970\">\n<p data-start=\"1947\" data-end=\"1970\"><a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/what-to-expect-when-using-vaginal-dhea-or-estradiol\">Thinner, drier skin<\/a><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"1971\" data-end=\"1999\">\n<p data-start=\"1973\" data-end=\"1999\">Decreased bone density<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"2001\" data-end=\"2148\">Since DHEA helps maintain estrogen and testosterone production, its decline can amplify hormonal imbalances already occurring during perimenopause.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"potential-benefits-of-dhea-in-perimenopause\" data-start=\"2155\" data-end=\"2202\">Potential Benefits of DHEA in Perimenopause<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"2204\" data-end=\"2353\">Supplementing with DHEA may help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0039128X20301367\">restore some balance<\/a> and reduce uncomfortable <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/hormonal-imbalance-and-sex-drive-when-to-consider-hrt\">symptoms<\/a>. Here&#8217;s what some <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinic.org\/drugs-supplements-dhea\/art-20364199\">research<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC12231631\/\">clinical observations<\/a> suggest:<\/p>\n<h5 id=\"mood-support\">Mood Support:<\/h5>\n<p>DHEA may positively affect mood, especially for women experiencing mild depression or irritability linked to hormonal changes. It may improve mental clarity, stress resilience, and emotional stability.<\/p>\n<h5 id=\"energy-and-vitality\">Energy and Vitality:<\/h5>\n<p>Many women report increased energy and motivation when using DHEA, potentially due to its influence on mitochondrial function and cortisol regulation.<\/p>\n<h5 id=\"libido-enhancement\">Libido Enhancement:<\/h5>\n<p>Because DHEA helps generate testosterone, it may improve sexual desire, arousal, and satisfaction, especially in women struggling with low libido during perimenopause.<\/p>\n<h5 id=\"bone-health\">Bone Health:<\/h5>\n<p>DHEA has been linked to bone density support, helping to counteract the loss of estrogen and reduce the risk of osteoporosis.<\/p>\n<h5 id=\"skin-and-aging\">Skin and Aging:<\/h5>\n<p>Topical and oral DHEA formulations can improve skin hydration, thickness, and elasticity, making it a potential tool for <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/prescription-libido-pills-for-premenopausal-vs-postmenopausal-women\">anti-aging<\/a> support during hormonal decline.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"risks-and-who-should-avoid-it\" data-start=\"3359\" data-end=\"3392\">Risks and Who Should Avoid It<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"3394\" data-end=\"3506\">While DHEA shows promise, it\u2019s not for everyone\u2014and using it without guidance can lead to unwanted side effects.<\/p>\n<h4 id=\"who-should-be-cautious-or-avoid-it\" data-start=\"3508\" data-end=\"3554\">Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid It<\/h4>\n<ul data-start=\"3555\" data-end=\"4025\">\n<li data-start=\"3555\" data-end=\"3707\">\n<p data-start=\"3557\" data-end=\"3707\">Women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome): DHEA can worsen androgen dominance and related symptoms like acne, hair growth, or irregular periods.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3708\" data-end=\"3878\">\n<p data-start=\"3710\" data-end=\"3878\">History of Hormone-Sensitive Cancer: If you&#8217;ve had breast, ovarian, or uterine cancer, DHEA may not be safe due to its role in estrogen\/testosterone production.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"3879\" data-end=\"4025\">\n<p data-start=\"3881\" data-end=\"4025\">Unmonitored Self-Dosing: High doses can lead to side effects such as acne, hair loss, irritability, and hormonal imbalances.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p data-start=\"4027\" data-end=\"4144\">DHEA is a hormone, not just a supplement, and should be approached with the same caution as other hormonal therapies.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-to-talk-to-your-doctor-about-trying-dhea\" data-start=\"4151\" data-end=\"4199\">How to Talk to Your Doctor About Trying DHEA<\/h3>\n<p data-start=\"4201\" data-end=\"4373\">If you\u2019re curious about DHEA and its role in natural hormone therapy, the first step is an informed, open discussion with a healthcare provider. <a href=\"https:\/\/md.getheally.com\/f\/vshop-book_appt?visit_type_first=true&amp;visit_type_ids=3070\">Connect with a qualified healthcare provider through Heally<\/a><\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4201\" data-end=\"4373\">Here\u2019s what you can expect:<\/p>\n<ol data-start=\"4375\" data-end=\"4904\">\n<li data-start=\"4375\" data-end=\"4492\">\n<p data-start=\"4378\" data-end=\"4492\">Lab testing: A simple blood or saliva test can measure your DHEA-S (the sulfated form of DHEA) levels.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4493\" data-end=\"4610\">\n<p data-start=\"4496\" data-end=\"4610\">Discussion symptoms and goals: Clarify what you&#8217;re experiencing\u2014whether it&#8217;s fatigue, low libido, or mood swings.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4611\" data-end=\"4792\">\n<p data-start=\"4614\" data-end=\"4792\">Exploration safe supplementation: If your levels are low and your doctor believes DHEA is appropriate, they can help you find the right dose and form (oral, topical, or <a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/what-to-expect-when-using-vaginal-dhea-or-estradiol\">vaginal<\/a>).<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-start=\"4793\" data-end=\"4904\">\n<p data-start=\"4796\" data-end=\"4904\"><a href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/dutch-test-for-womens-hormone-health-and-reproductive-wellness\">Monitoring<\/a>: Hormone levels should be rechecked periodically to ensure safety and effectiveness.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"sources\">Sources<\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li>Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.cochranelibrary.com\/cdsr\/doi\/10.1002\/14651858.CD011066.pub2\/full\">Dehydroepiandrosterone for women in the peri- or postmenopausal period<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Menopause: <a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/menopausejournal\/abstract\/2016\/03000\/efficacy_of_intravaginal_dehydroepiandrosterone.6.aspx\">Efficacy of intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) on moderate to severe dyspareunia and vaginal dryness<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Menopause: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/19436225\/\">Intravaginal dehydroepiandrosterone (Prasterone), a highly efficient treatment of vaginal atrophy<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Journal of Steroid Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0960076017300791?via%3Dihub\">Comparison of intravaginal 6.5\u202fmg prasterone, conjugated equine estrogens, and estradiol on symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism: <a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/24892797\">Neurobiology of DHEA and effects on sexuality, mood and cognition<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Springer Nature: <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/BF01623229\">Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and bone mineral density<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Journal of Clinical Endocrinology &amp; Metabolism: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sciencedirect.com\/science\/article\/abs\/pii\/S0960076014000983?via%3Dihub\">Neurobiology of DHEA and effects on sexuality, mood and cognition<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Archives of Osteoporosis: <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s11657-020-00755-y\">DHEA in bone: the role in osteoporosis and fracture healing<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Journal of Women&#8217;s Health: <a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC2435090\/\">Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density in older adults<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Menopause: <a href=\"https:\/\/link.springer.com\/article\/10.1007\/s00737-011-0231-5\">Higher DHEA-S levels are associated with depressive symptoms during the menopausal transition<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h2 id=\"disclaimer\" data-start=\"4628\" data-end=\"4680\">Disclaimer<\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"4682\" data-end=\"4939\">The information provided in this article is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, changing, or stopping any hormone therapy or treatment plan.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"4941\" data-end=\"5153\">Hormone therapy may not be suitable for everyone. Certain medical conditions, family history, or medications may affect your treatment options. Use only prescribed progesterone under professional supervision.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Perimenopause can feel like a whirlwind\u2014shifting hormones, unexpected mood swings, low energy, and diminishing libido are just a&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":32051,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2316],"tags":[1920,1938,1746,1819,1921,1925],"class_list":{"0":"post-32017","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-womens-health","8":"tag-dhea","9":"tag-estradiol","10":"tag-health-and-wellness","11":"tag-hormones","12":"tag-libido","13":"tag-perimenopause"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.1.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>DHEA in Perimenopause: A Natural Hormone Therapy Explained<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how DHEA affects mood, libido, energy, and bone health during perimenopause. Discover its benefits, risks, and how to use it safely.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"DHEA in Perimenopause: A Natural Hormone Therapy Explained\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how DHEA affects mood, libido, energy, and bone health during perimenopause. Discover its benefits, risks, and how to use it safely.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Heally\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-07-21T19:47:49+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-09-08T12:24:10+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/happy-couple-dancing.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"640\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Vanessa Niles MD\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Vanessa Niles MD\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"5 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Vanessa Niles MD\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/#\/schema\/person\/0c6491634669dd305779a764129e92d1\"},\"headline\":\"The Role of DHEA in Perimenopause Treatment: What Women Should Know\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-21T19:47:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-08T12:24:10+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment\"},\"wordCount\":896,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/happy-couple-dancing.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"DHEA\",\"estradiol\",\"Health and wellness\",\"Hormones\",\"libido\",\"Perimenopause\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Women's Health\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment\",\"name\":\"DHEA in Perimenopause: A Natural Hormone Therapy Explained\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/the-role-of-dhea-in-perimenopause-treatment#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/getheally.com\/patients\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/happy-couple-dancing.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-07-21T19:47:49+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-09-08T12:24:10+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn how DHEA affects mood, libido, energy, and bone health during perimenopause. 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