DHEA for Menopause: a look at benefits and dosing | Felice Gersh, MD

[@JackieTurner23]

IMPORTANT!! Note: I’d like to say that I had chronic pain symptoms after taking DHEA. I was having X-rays, chiropractors, so much pain that I couldn’t explain. All around hips and lower back. Suddenly I couldn’t lift legs or put shoes on etc. chronic back pain that I even took pain meds for. (I don’t usually take any kind of medicine OTC medicines.) I decided to stop taking DHEA to see and within 72 hours the pain disappeared. So please don’t just take this supplement without checking levels first.

[@jfdc8432]

How much did you take?

[@bluejean-1968]

What was your dose? That seems like important information.

[@CriticalLinker]

That happened to me too. I took 50 mg at night for three days and couldn't sleep for severe lower back pain and pain in my left hip. The pain persisted through the day. I couldn't bend over or walk properly. I thought I had sciatica, but as soon as I stopped taking the dhea the pain went away. I waited about a week and then started again three nights ago with a lower dose (25mg), and so far so good - no pain. I'm so glad I saw your post because I thought it was just me; severe back pain isn't mentioned anywhere as a side effect as far as I can see. For context, I'm a 72-year old woman, about 20 years post-menopausal and my DHEA-S levels are really low.

[@jfdc8432]

There are several people who have asked how much you were taking. Will you please reply?

[@jfdc8432]

@@CriticalLinker Thank you! Very helpful information!

[@MaggieFrett]

I’m postmenopausal and have been taking HRT for 3 years. This last year I felt that something was missing as I had some mental fog and low energy like I did in Perimenopause. After learning about the benefits of DHEA, I thought that this might help. I took 5mgs for a few days and didn’t feel anything. After a few days I decided to take 10 mgs and this made all the difference. I have more energy and no mental fog. I will report back in a month with further updates.

[@yesibot.2051]

Im so glad you’re feeling better! My mom has such a hard time during menopause because of all the effects hormones have so she decided not to. I’ll try to convince her on DHEA as her brain fog is getting worse and she is so tired 😢. Makes me sad to see her go downhill

[@Faithamberly]

@@yesibot.2051might also look into Chaste Tree Berries or Vitex.

[@opheliazen]

This is great to hear! How are you doing now?

[@MaggieFrett]

@@opheliazen I’m doing well. I have more mental clarity and a tad bit more energy. No side effects at all. I’m taking 5mg. I am considering taking 7.5 mg as these are scored so that it can easily be cut in half. :)

[@opheliazen]

@@MaggieFrett That's great to hear!

[@nubian282]

My experience: I’ve started taking dhea supplements six weeks ago and it’s been an amazing experience. No more night sweats, sleepless nights, vaginal dryness and low libido….Which lead me here. I’m currently taking 15mg which is where I’m staying. I ask my GNO for hrt and I’m still waiting to hear back from her lol… Thank you Dr Felice ❤You have changed my life forever #56andpostmenopausal

[@MGJ-nu6zj]

Did it take 8 weeks to get benefit or did you notice some benefit earlier? 🙏🏻

[@kathryncothern3433]

DHEA has been part of my BHRT mix for 9 years now. My doctor does blood tests annually (and more if I request it) so I always now where my levels are at, along with knowing my body and how it feels. Been feeling great these past 9 years after finding out I was in Perimenopause and started BHRT. Now 57 and post menopause, still feeling great inside and out. Love the Dr.’s detailed explanations. Thank you. ❤

[@andyvee2135]

What is bhrt? What all do u take ,

[@lillieberger2883]

I’ve read that if taking HRT you should not take DHEA. I’m on low dose topical HRT , so I’ve been looking into this, but the information is confusing and at times contradictory.

[@zraj_iv]

​@@andyvee2135abbrev.BHRT means Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy, not synthetic hormones

[@greenprivam.3085]

How much do you take ?

[@karenhochwald1616]

Supplementation with DHEA as well as with straight testosterone can cause hair loss in women. I was Dr. Gersh's patient for 30 years. She put me on DHEA and testosterone, my hair started to thin. A compounding pharmacist, not Dr. Gersh, told me that DHEA converts to estrogen and testosterone in the body and can cause hair thinning /loss. So I stopped both.

[@wendymccleary1465]

Important feedback.. Thank you! I used the DHEA compounded cream and became very irritable as a result. I stopped, and felt better. I'm now trying a much lower dose to see how that works in my body.

[@crh251]

@@wendymccleary1465, it gave me acne and made me cranky too.

[@karenhochwald1616]

No. I was not on a high dose. Do not make such comments when you have no idea what someone's dosing is or was.

[@crh251]

@@karenhochwald1616, I was on a low dose too, and I started getting acne and very irritable. I had to stop. It just wasn’t for me either.

[@ServantOfJesusChrist777]

Unfortunately, because you were taking testosterone AND DHEA, and the testosterone alone can cause hair loss, and you stopped them BOTH instead of one or the other, you don't know if it was the DHEA. I'M surprised she gave both to you because the DHEA is enough in women to boost testosterone a bit. Since DHEA converts to male AND female hormones in the body, I learned that the body knows what it needs and and converts DHEA into one or another as needed, so I personally would suspect the added testosterone as the culprit, but that's just my opinion from my research and my doctor. I understand why you quit both though. I'm surprised she didn't give you DHEA first and test and see how you did before adding testosterone. That's kinda crazy over zealous treatment.

[@ebells33]

Every woman needs to follow this channel. Thank you for educating us!

[@Spicydoc1]

So I am more inclined to think and listen to my body in response to treatment and levels. I think if you look at levels and still not feeling well, then obviously it doesn’t matter what your level is. I urge most of you not to be lab lovers and get fixated on the ranges as they may not be pertinent to physiology. Doctors who practice medicine based on labs really don’t think outside the box and that’s such a damn shame. We are all individuals who have our own physiology.

[@kamibacon5340]

Lab lovers. 👏🏼

[@11kwright]

Well, I take 50 mg and have not experienced any ill effect. I just bought it myself from Life Extension. So far so good, oh and I’m 58.😊

[@okanaganlife2303]

Careful with that amount! That’s a high amount to take

[@SoulSeeker2025]

No more then 25 mg a week

[@11kwright]

@@okanaganlife2303 To be honest I feel much better with my menopause symptoms. Ido sometimes skip a day out of forgetfulness. I will also revert to 25 mg when finished to see if I still feel much better. If it makes no difference will continue with 25 mg if not go back to 50 or probably somewhere in between. I don’t think much about my menopause symptoms anymore as made a huge difference. Carnivore diet also helps. Certainly cutting out rubbish carbs def helps.

[@peacepocket]

I took that same dose and brand, my dhea level went to over 800. That’s insanely high. How long have you been in it?

[@suzysandiego6478]

You are wonderful Felice! (beautiful name by the way) Thank you for helping all us women to understand our bodies and have a better quality of life! God Bless you.👏🤗👏

[@leslieharari8755]

Dr. Gersh, I love your content. Do you worry about DHEA converting to estrone?

[@alwaysright5901]

Yes, another doc (Dr. Robert Mathis on Santa Barbara California) said that DHEA converts to estrogen which is NOT what we want.

[@user-nw2cs6ex9o]

Great question

[@karenhochwald1616]

I can tell you, as a former patient of Dr. Gersh's for thirty years, and yes she put me on vaginal DHEA, it converts to a form of estrogen and testosterone, which can cause hair loss in women. She did not tell me that, a compounding pharmacist did. I stopped taking it.

[@KC-kh5dv]

@@alwaysright5901Why now if we are low on it ?

[@carascottvo]

If you take a DUTCH test after starting DHEA, you'll know what your particular tendency is.

[@ildus48]

I was taking low dose DHEA, 10 mg in the mornings and unfortunately it gave me insomnia. I had my DHEA level tested and it was on the lower end of the scale. I am 63, postmenopausal.

[@bluejean-1968]

Take 5mg of DHEA cream once a day every other day. Ona's sells a good one.

[@Last-responder]

I take mine at night and have no sleeping issues at all. Something to consider

[@SageSuede]

I am recommending this to my family for natural aging

[@francoisemullen417]

What about pregnenolone ?

[@crh251]

I think the problem with pregnenolone is you don’t know for certain which pathway it could go. You could end up with too much progesterone, testosterone, etc. My understanding is pregnenolone is a gamble.

[@crh251]

I believe pregnenolone is a gamble. You don’t know for certain which pathway it will decide to go.

[@angiskanal930]

@@crh251

[@jean6460]

Thanks

[@polianapolain]

Pregnenolone is a precursor hormone that is responsible for making the most important hormones in the body - specifically, cortisol, progesterone, estrogen, and testosterone, each of which is vitally important for regulating various bodily functions. Without adequate pregnenolone, the body cannot have an adequate balance of other hormones, which can lead to several compromises in overall health.

[@hazeldellis]

I take dhea daily tablet 25mg and if i forgot to take it I'm like a bear with a sore a.... (Butt for the US folk!). I have zero tolerance for anyone!!after taking it for 2 years my last bloods still showed it as being on the lower end for a menopausal woman. I have also lost LOADS of weight, i didn't want to unfortunately, but after 1 year of DHEA I'm super skinny!! But i also have lost muscle too, so now on testosterone and building back up with a weights programme (Dhea-s 1.05 ug /ml)

[@catherinehoffpauir6323]

Which Dhea?

[@hazeldellis]

@@catherinehoffpauir6323 it comes from Greece, but I believe they also sell it in the pharmacy here in Spain. (I'm on Europe)

[@Tumbleweed111]

Are you on DHEA and testosterone? Is that ok to do?

[@neverhomeguideservice]

I’m on both. Take the DUTCH test comprehensive one and it will tell you about all the hormone levels and you adjust accordingly.

[@user-nw2cs6ex9o]

Does topical or oral stop your body natural production

[@ΕλένηΖιώγα-κ8υ]

Thank you, for your good heart that wants to help.

[@jfdc8432]

How much should a woman take AFTER menopause?

[@emokeandrews8867]

I understand 5-10 mg is a safe dose long term!

[@marybarber6436]

i really enjoy your content. Thank you

[@anahiddominguez6700]

My doctor refused to give me and even scared me. He also said he doesn’t recommend blood test since it’s unpredictable daily and can’t be relied on. I am so tempted to take the 5mg also. I am currently on estradiol patch at 0.0375 dose.

[@thaliagarcia9684]

Can DHEA be used in conjunction with HRT?

[@cathykelly791]

My doctor has me on bhrt to include estradiol gel, progesterone pill, and a compounded dhea/testosterone cream.

[@Last-responder]

I am on dhea and hrt cream daily.

[@anonanonymous1970]

Dr. Gersh - Could you PLEASE do a video on pregnenolone supplementation? Particularly for those with progesterone intolerance?

[@MGJ-nu6zj]

Thank you so much for sharing this valuable information. 🙏🏻

[@furysfancy]

Thank you for this very informative video!😊

[@ironmaidenfitness654]

In Australia we need a prescription for DHEA

[@ateachableheart2649]

Everyone is differe t. Find the dose and time that's right for you. It'll take some experimenting and patience, start out small dose and give it time to work before increasing. Work with your doctor if you have a good one.

[@shannonhoffman5875]

What should your test level be mine measures in ng/mL

[@serizer9]

She said in the video

[@dkc9102]

I'm currently taking hormone pellets, but they're getting very expensive! I'm postmenopausal and I'm looking for an alternative hormone therapy. I noticed that DHEA helps with weight loss as well as making estrogen and testosterone. Would stopping my pellets and taking DHEA along with Progestone pills be a good idea?

[@stephaniebest9428]

My level of DHEA-S has been low since 2020 48.1 ng/dL. I also have low total testosterone

[@PandaA-cv3mm]

Are you on added testosterone or DHEA? If so, how much? Thanks and best of luck to you. 🙏☺️

[@stephaniebest9428]

@@PandaA-cv3mm yes I’m on both DHEA/Testosterone I have been since March along with estriol/estradiol 80/20 and 200 mg progesterone. My testosterone is now a 40 but I’m DHEA-s is still in the 40s. My SHBG is still extremely high. My HRT doctor and I are trying to figure out why.

[@audrey3042]

@@stephaniebest9428Estrodile as HRT will increase SHBG - even for women on the pill. I’m also trying to figure this out as my T is so low that it can’t be measured but my SHBG is high due to estrodile HRT. I’m waiting for my DHEA-S results

[@shannonhoffman5875]

I was using 50 mg of topical cream daily I had my dheas tested and it came back low

[@wendymccleary1465]

What happened as a result, please? You said 'were taking', as in past tense. It sounds like it didn't work effectively if you stopped, or perhaps another reason?

[@CatherineJonesTX]

Try the pill and see if that brings it up

[@Tumbleweed111]

Can I take Dhea if I am on testerone?

[@kimbe910]

So good

[@AISmallBusinessHub]

Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge so generously Dr Gersch. I’ve been researching DHEA for perimenopause so this was incredibly helpful. DHEA isn’t available in UK and Canada :(

[@elleherzog]

..you can order it from the US.

[@GalacticWoman]

I buy it through Biovea ...I m in UK. No issues ordering on line

[@garychristopher5480]

Yes it is i get my DHEA from pippingrock to the uk

[@kathycarraher5014]

I have Addison's disease which means my adrenals don't work at all due to autoimmune destruction. I have taken DHEA on and off over many years. I found different name brands give different results .One increased my body odor a lot. another vivid dreams but no body odor. No hair loss but I did get a few stray facial hairs. I was taking it for an increased sense of well being and energy both of which are decreased in Addison"s. I really couldn't tell that it made a difference in those areas and I would take 50mg. It was different effects from different brands that concerned me most.What was causing that?

[@rebecca75588]

That's because I wouldn't get on amazon I know they put fillers that's why so all dhea is most likely not the same id get it from a doctor or compounding pharmacy

[@ArcturusAndromeda]

Which brand do you recommend? I have Life Extension ones, I generally like their products. Not started on DHEA properly yet

[@CatherineJonesTX]

​@@ArcturusAndromedaLife Extension brand has shown it works in blood tests. I use LE DHEA complete, it has 25 mg of DHEA plus a few other helpful things

[@jean6460]

My lab was 1.72ug/ml and said the scale is 0.19 - 4.07 ug/ml. So, 100 Dr mention doesn’t work for my lab test!

[@PeggyDeLay-eu9fg]

Would the vaginal DHEA compound cream help with a uterine prolapse? Thank you! Great info

[@GalacticWoman]

I vd used micronised dhea pill in vagina - helps with dryness etc

[@GameOver-jq1cu]

Hello do you order and work wit Dutch test no results for recommendations for menopause ? Also are you avail for tele- health if I live in illinois? THank YOU

[@dkc9102]

What's the normal DHEA range for women?

[@JamieAndrick]

100-200 blood work test results.. she can't tell you the dose you should take.

[@Tumbleweed111]

I only started on HRT at 60, I’m now 66. I’m on testosterone for a year now as it was very low but my hair was thinning before I took HRT. I’m taking oral minoxidil. Is there anything I can do for thinning hair?

[@ng-kr9lq]

You shouldn’t have started with minoxidil at all.

[@myriammoussa1877]

In Australian it needs to be compounded

[@anonanonymous1970]

Should DHEA be taken with progesterone if it creates estrogen?

[@angiskanal930]

Ja

[@Psalm91-1]

OK you didn’t even say what a healthy level is. For someone who had a hormone panel done what should their numbers be for DHEA for postmenopausal woman? That would greatly help.

[@JamieAndrick]

She did.. no lower than 100, no more than 200.. she didn't give a dosage, because you need blood work done for that. I'm starting with 15 mg topical oil..

[@Psalm91-1]

@@JamieAndrick didn’t hear that. My DHEA level is extremely low at 10. So I know I need more.

[@BarbOliver-v5y]

Can post menopausal women take it?

[@KC-kh5dv]

Yes

[@suebrookes7136]

I live in the uk where do i buy this from please.

[@PandaA-cv3mm]

I live in the UK now…originally from the states where I could buy DHEA over the counter. My GP gives it to me now but it’s not as good what I used to get. I have bought it online before from Biovea and from Piping Rock . Both ship to the UK and the quality was good. I may just go back to using them instead of the GP. I don’t go over 10 mg now, though. It gives me energy but can convert to testosterone/dht so be careful. You’ll know when to back down or skip a few days if you get oily skin/chin hair/breakout. Best of luck to you. 🙏💜🕊️

[@SoulSeeker2025]

Amazon Klair DHEA

[@hoopoe9629]

Is DHEAS the same as DHEA-Sulfate?

[@romasplace1]

Is there a link between hair growth and progesterone? 🎉

[@jhurbon12]

No. There is a link with hair growth and estrogen

[@aquaprincess9879]

100 what??? I'm in Europe and we may not use the same units as the United States, please consider that part of your audience is outside the US!

[@123STEP23]

DHEAS blood measured by uh/dl

[@nicolemerz1731]

I'm in Germany and mine was measured as: 104 microgramm/dl (a strange small Greek letter that looks like a reversed letter "y"). It is just so annoying that the laborarories don't use a standardized way to measure hormones 🙃

[@YoannaDilova]

Ther is an online converter.

[@gilliandowney5225]

​@YoannaDilova there is a world outside America

[@YoannaDilova]

​@gilliandowney5225 Yes,I live in the UK 😁

[@tammiestarks6464]

I found DHEA ovals a vaginal suppository by Proctor & Gamble on Amazon. Would this be an option?

[@Flower-yc3xl]

Can you take DHEA 25 mg for ever for post menopause 60+?

[@chorebunny8080]

Start with 10mg for a few weeks then you can try 20mg

[@SoulSeeker2025]

No more then 25 a week

[@AmandaDVM]

Can DHEA supplementation be monitored by testing DHEA-S? If I understand correctly, DHEA-S is primarily produced in the adrenals, and should be evaluated prior to deciding whether or not to supplement. But the OTC form is DHEA. Thank you for your content, I am very grateful. 🙏

[@suebrookes7136]

Where can i buy this DHEA from please.

[@chorebunny8080]

Ebay Swanson makes 10mg tablet

[@jackiemansfield8325]

I lost my sex drive at the age of 48 when meno kicked in, and am not interested in having it back. I don’t even mind the alopecia as I have to shave my shin anyway. But am concerned about any malignant tumor, now as the age of 63. Should I take this supplement?

[@valerie4912]

Anyone know if we can get it in Canada? Good for women on birth control for perimenopause?

[@findingyesmeditations8945]

has to be prescribed here in canada by a doctor, it is a controlled substance here, whereas in the U.S it is over the counter. A hormone specialist / Integrated medical doc or naturopath can prescribe for you. They will do blood work first to check your levels, at least that's what my doc did.

[@valerie4912]

@@findingyesmeditations8945 Thank you. Did it help for you?

[@rebecca75588]

But Amazon carries it im in California I get mine from a compounding pharmacy I take it sporadically and it made my muscles huge when I lift weights they call it the fountain of youth

[@KathyChapman-y9g]

Morning can I take dhea with low cortisol in the morning? I take 25 mg in the morning.

[@anonanonymous1970]

I wouldn't - DHEA counters cortisol.

[@peachesandbon]

If youre taking small dose of Testosterone, would you also take Dhea or is one or the other?

[@cheribeck101]

I want to know this too because when I add DHEA to my testosterone it seems to really raise testosterone

[@maryannsimpson5058]

DHEA has to be tested and pulsed ( not taken daily) because it can cause anxiety. Don’t just take it.

[@CM-ey6qy]

Hair loss on DHEA scares me!

[@sandrawheeler1521]

I have had a total hysterectomy so no ovaries. And adrenal insufficiency. My sex drive has dissapearred. Would DHEA help me.?

[@LewisPsychology]

I have no ovaries and secondary adrenal insufficiency. My DHEAS is virtually non existent. I’ve just started supplementing with DHEA and feel a physical and psychological lift.

[@anonanonymous1970]

@@LewisPsychology Does adrenal insufficiency mean low cortisol? If so, wouldn't DHEA make it worse?

[@jeanv2929]

So is DHEA better to use than testosterone?

[@DogLoverMiami]

It's a little contradicting to say it might grow extra hair on your body.... And it could thin hair or cause hair loss.

[@DreamlabsStudios]

However that’s exactly how androgenic steroids work. Picture a hairy bald man and there ya go. Hair where you don’t want it and no hair where you do. Now if the hair thinning in females is coming from a hormonal imbalance and the DHEA helps restore balance then you can have improvement in female hair thinning. So yes, it can have both effects depending on what you need. People should definitely have labs performed prior to starting any treatment, over the counter or prescribed.

[@Jcathey8501]

Can you use it on your bum for haemorrhoids

[@cheribeck101]

Even 2.5 mg of DHEA makes me very hungry and keeps me up at night. Why would this be?

[@VikkiSalari]

If your on testosterone and estradiol patch can you still take dhea? After blood work?

[@rhondaodden4286]

Sounds like a lot of negative results. Think I’ll stay clear.

[@JamieAndrick]

Work with a doctor? lol.. my doctor didn't even suggest testing for it.. and won't because he said I am within range.. well! Within range doesn't mean optimal! He said there was NOTHING I could do about menopause..ME: JUST WATCH ME!

[@Judahthanksgiving]

Make sure you drink at least 8 ounces of water with it.

[@toniwoods5029]

Anyone loss weight after starting DHEA?

[@suebrookes7136]

DHEA IS IT GOOD FOR THE BRAIN.

[@Shellbee22]

NO WOMAN should be taking 25…50 😳😳😳😳 absolutely not !!! start with 2.5 or 5…that’s it !!!

[@deuxjournalistes2993]

Yeah I take 2.5 at the most. It's strong stuff!

[@kidsteach938]

I think I'll go with Dr. Gersh. She has her M. D., btw.

[@rebecca75588]

I was prescribed 25mg and I open the pill and put a quarter of it in my yogurt from time to time no side effects here

[@LewisPsychology]

It really depends. My DHEAS is 0.25 and virtually non existence due to secondary adrenal insufficiency. I take 50 mg of DHEA a day.

[@anaf9314]

Dr. DHEA needs to be at least to a 100 BUT 100 What?? ng, pmol? mg? or what.You have to be specific! 100 what??🙄

[@ellenkno5233]

Agreed!

[@DogLoverMiami]

When the laboratory tests the DHEA sulfate level, there will be a number. I'm assuming she's talking about that number.

[@aekielty]

Yes thank you! Different countries use different units of measurements. Same with testosterone and estradiol.

[@tammymccarthy1378]

No help at all.

[@cosmicenigmarevealed]

Pesticides.

[@DogLoverMiami]

Why do you say pesticides?

[@mamayoda123]

Thank you so much! You are amazing explaining everything. 🎉