Peat Archive

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a protective steroid hormone that declines sharply with age — one of the most reliable biomarkers of aging. Ray Peat noted that DHEA opposes cortisol, supports immune function, protects the brain, and has anti-cancer properties. He viewed the DHEA-to-cortisol ratio as an important indicator of the body's stress status.

Peat recommended DHEA supplementation for older individuals, typically 5-15mg for women and 10-25mg for men, noting that it is converted to both androgens and estrogens in tissues. He emphasized that DHEA works best in the context of adequate thyroid function and progesterone, and that supplementing DHEA without addressing these can lead to imbalances.