Dhea
109 sourcesDHEA (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.
Key Positions
- DHEA declines sharply with age — one of the most reliable aging biomarkers
- Opposes cortisol's catabolic effects on tissues
- Supports immune function and has anti-cancer properties
- The DHEA/cortisol ratio indicates overall stress and aging status
- Supplemental doses: 5-15mg for women, 10-25mg for men
- Converted to androgens and estrogens in tissues — context dependent
- Works best alongside adequate thyroid and progesterone
Sources
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Progesterone, not estrogen, is the coronary protection factor of women.
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Prostate Cancer
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Rosacea, inflammation, and aging: The inefficiency of stress
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Stem cells, cell culture, and culture: Issues in regeneration
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The dark side of stress (learned helplesness)
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Tissue-bound estrogen in aging
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Vashinvetala (formerly Pranarupa)
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When energy fails: Edema, heart failure, hypertension, sarcopenia, etc.
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moles dhea etc