Why Take DHEA at Night and How Does It Improve Your Health?

The clock is ticking on all of us. But like a child begging for five more minutes when they’re having fun, is it possible to prevent aging from curtailing our playtime? What if we told you there’s a hormone your body produces that does just that and you can supplement it as you age?

That’s right. It’s called DHEA, and it’s a natural way to slow your biological clock, de-stress, re-energize, and make those recollections of youth more than just a dream.

So, if you’re wondering why take DHEA at night, let’s hear what the scientific research has to say about it.

What Is DHEA?

Dehydroepiandrosterone, or DHEA, is a hormone naturally produced by your adrenal glands. It aids in the production of two other important hormones, specifically testosterone and estrogen, or the male and female sex hormones. Dehydroepiandrosterone is stored in the adrenal cortex and circulates in the blood in the form of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.

Your body’s DHEA production peaks during early adulthood and then declines with age. Adrenal insufficiency, aka Addison’s disease, which is usually attributed to hormone replacement therapy, may lead to lower DHEA levels as you get older. This may cause a number of issues with the quality of life, such as diminishing libido, constant fatigue, depression, and compromised sleep.

Common Uses of DHEA and Its Availability

DHEA is available in synthetic form as a supplement and can be taken as a tablet, capsule, powder, or topical form as a creme or gel. Most DHEA supplements are manufactured synthetically from diosgenin, a plant sterol extracted from the Mexican wild yam plant.

If you’re wondering why you should take DHEA at night or whether it can help you at all, let’s look at some reasons why you might consider using it.

Various studies exist on DHEA being used for the following conditions and scenarios:

• The effects of aging on both males and females [1]

• Depression and low DHEA levels in adults [2]

• Osteoporosis and improving bone density in older adults [3]

• Cardiovascular health in the elderly [4]

• DHEA and its effects on women’s health [5]

• The effects of DHEA on exercise performance [6]

• DHEA and erectile dysfunction [7]

When Is the Best Time of Day To Take DHEA?

The generally recommended time to take DHEA supplements is in the morning. Here’s why:

• Mimics Natural Rhythm: DHEA is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands, and its levels typically peak in the morning and gradually decline throughout the day. Taking DHEA in the morning aligns with this natural circadian rhythm.

• Potential for Energy Boost: DHEA can sometimes have an energizing effect. Taking it in the morning might help some individuals feel more alert and focused during the day.

Why Take DHEA at Night?

While less common and not supported by strong evidence, some people prefer taking DHEA at night to:

• Improve Sleep Quality: Some anecdotal reports suggest that DHEA might improve sleep quality in some people. Additionally, one study revealed that administering DHEA resulted in increased REM sleep, suggesting a possible link between higher DHEA levels and a longer REM sleep duration [8].

• Minimize Daytime Side Effects: If you experience side effects like increased energy, agitation, or acne when taking DHEA in the morning or during the day, taking it at night might lessen the impact of these side effects during waking hours. But again, this is speculative, and there’s not much research to back it.

Symptoms of Low DHEA Levels

Low levels of DHEA have been known to cause a variety of physical symptoms, including the following:

• Depression

• Fatigue

• Sexual dysfunction

• Decreased bone density

• Memory loss

• Reduced strength and lean muscle mass

• Memory loss

• Reduced mental function

• Higher rate of heart disease

How Can DHEA Affect the Body?

So, what does DHEA do, and what are the different ways that DHEA affects your body? Let’s take a look at the various DHEA benefits and how DHEA for men compares to DHEA for women.

DHEA and Testosterone

According to a study in Experimental Gerontology in 2020, DHEA increased testosterone levels in all subgroups, although DHEA for women raised testosterone more than it did for men [9].

The same study also showed that increasing DHEA for men before training helped all eight middle-aged males increase their testosterone levels without any decrease after exercise.

Anti Aging Properties

A study published in the journal Maturitas in February 2008 found that when administered orally, DHEA positively affected the skin conditions of elderly subjects [10]. The effects were seen in the form of increased firmness and decreased aging spots.

DHEA’s Role in Hormone Production

DHEA is the precursor used in the body’s creation of androgens and estrogens, which are, respectively, the male and female sex hormones. DHEA also helps to regulate other hormones, like melatonin, which affects sleep, and cortisol, which affects stress responses.

Benefits of Taking DHEA

So, why take DHEA at night? What are the actual benefits, if any? Can it be a useful sleep aid, or does DHEA keep you up at night? Let’s see.

Reduced Stress

A study in the International Journal of Clinical Practice showed that taking DHEA supplements decreased cortisol levels, which is active in stress management [11]. When your stress level is down, you are much more likely to be more relaxed and able to fall asleep at the end of a long day.

Improved Hormonal Synchronization

During the night, your body’s DHEA levels are lower. As a result, taking DHEA in the evening can help to rebalance your body’s natural hormone cycles and increase your ability to absorb and utilize certain nutrients.

Better Sleep Quality

How does DHEA help with sleep? Researchers have found that your body’s overall hormone balance tends to impact your sleep quality. In fact, low DHEA levels have been shown to worsen the symptoms of those suffering from sleep apnea [11].

Increased levels of DHEA can benefit REM sleep because they may increase the level of melatonin in the blood, the hormone that regulates sleep/wake cycles and circadian rhythms.

Less Fatigue

As mentioned, DHEA benefits your body by helping manage the stress hormone cortisol, which regulates responses like fight or flight and maintains blood pressure. Studies have shown that both elevated stress levels and high blood pressure can significantly exhaust your body and cause you to experience increased fatigue and lower energy levels as you age.

Supports Immune System

DHEA has a positive impact on your body; it modulates the immune system and also enhances immunocompetence across multiple aspects. It interacts uniquely with human immune function, with its effects influenced by the levels of other hormones in the body.

Potential Side Effects of DHEA Supplements

Some possible DHEA side effects may include an increased risk of hormone-type cancers in both men and women, like prostate cancer and breast cancer.

If you’ve been diagnosed with high cholesterol levels, DHEA supplements may also act to reduce High-density lipoprotein (HDL), or what is known as good cholesterol, and subsequently elevate low-density lipoprotein (LDL) or bad cholesterol. This can subsequently affect the blood supply to the heart, referred to as ischemic heart disease.

The use of DHEA supplements can also cause oily skin, acne, and male-patterned hair growth in women, otherwise known as hirsutism.

Importance of a Healthcare Provider’s Guidance in DHEA Use

DHEA is one of many hormones involved in a complex system of checks and balances in your body. In addition, various side effects can occur with the use of DHEA, and there is a lack of conclusive evidence that it is effective for many of the conditions advertisers claim.

Consequently, it is important to consult with your physician beforehand to ensure that taking DHEA supplements is safe for you.

Scientific Studies and Evidence Behind DHEA Use

We have already cited several studies on the various conditions that DHEA can treat, but here are some more major trials to consider.

The DHEA and Well-Ness or DAWN Trial was conducted in 2008 and involved 110 men and 115 women aged 55 to 85 [12]. The tests aimed to examine the effects of 50 mg of daily DHEA supplementation on cognitive function and general quality of life in older adults.

Overall, the results for these tests were not significantly different from the placebo results, although in the “satisfaction with life” category, the scores did increase for female participants.

Another study involving a randomized control trial in 2013 found that DHEA may result in sleep stimulation depending on the ratio between DHEA-induced testosterone increments vs. estradiol [13].

DHEA Dosing

How much DHEA you should take depends on what you’re taking it for and whether you’re using an over-the-counter or prescription brand. Either way, you should first consult with your doctor before using any type of DHEA supplement.

That said, DHEA dosages of 25 to 50 mg per day are believed to mimic the amount produced by a healthy young adult [14]. Daily dosages of 75-90 mg are recommended as part of an in-vitro fertilization program to improve fertility.

For certain autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, doses as high as 100 to 200 mg are used, though dosages that high can lower your HDL or good cholesterol count.

FAQs on DHEA

To conclude our article, here are some frequently asked questions by customers about why they take DHEA at night and its benefits.

Why Does DHEA Make Me Feel So Good?

One of the recognized consequences of having lower DHEA levels involves symptoms of depression, mood swings, and recurring fatigue. Taking a DHEA supplement may help elevate your daily mood, combat recurring fatigue, and enhance a feeling of general well-being.

Does DHEA Affect Sleep?

If you’re wondering whether DHEA supplementation can keep you up at night or why you should take DHEA at night, Research has found that low DHEA levels can affect sleep in a variety of ways. Because of its effects on both testosterone and estradiol levels, DHEA can improve or worsen your sleep quality, depending on your bio terrain. Declining DHEA levels during sleep may also result in bouts of insomnia among the elderly.

What Is the Downside of Taking DHEA?

One downside of taking DHEA is that it can cause a drop in your HDL or “good cholesterol” levels and increase the chance of developing ischemic heart disease. Taking DHEA may also increase the chances of developing either acne or hirsutism (male pattern hair growth in women).

How Quickly Does DHEA Start Working?

How quickly DHEA takes to work depends on your condition and the dosage. Something like erectile dysfunction can take up to 6 months of daily supplementation, while depression can improve in as little as 6 weeks.

Why Is DHEA Banned in the UK?

DHEA is banned in the UK because it is classified as a steroid. It is not available through the National Health Service (NHS), though it can be purchased with a private prescription from a doctor.

Will DHEA Cause Weight Gain?

Yes, high DHEA levels can lead to increased weight gain. For example, in women diagnosed with anorexia nervosa (AN), higher DHEA levels can cause an increase in body fat. Likewise, when taken as a supplement, high dosages of DHEA, between 75- 200 mg a day, can cause weight gain [15].

How Do I Know if I Need DHEA?

If you’re wondering why take DHEA at night (or even at all), the easiest way to determine if you need it is to request a DHEA-S test from your healthcare provider. This blood test will reveal whether you are experiencing any type of hormone imbalance, such as adrenal fatigue, low libido, irregular menstruation, or any number of hormonal conditions that DHEA can help with.

Why Take DHEA at Night? Final Thoughts

The human body composition is a miraculous construction of numerous biochemical interactions, physical processes, and electrical impulses. A perfect example of this would be your body’s intricate hormone system, of which DHEA is a major component.

As DHEA production in your body declines with age, it has been linked to a number of different lifestyle maladies, including depression, sleep disorders, menopause, and aging in general.

Taking a DHEA supplement is one way to combat the challenges associated with aging. Hopefully, this article has provided some insight into how this important hormone is and what it can do for you.

You may still be wondering, “Can I take DHEA at night, or why take DHEA at night?” The standard recommendation is to take it in the morning to align with your body’s natural hormone production. That said, some people explore nighttime dosing to improve sleep quality and reduce side effects. However, there’s not much research to support the use of DHEA at night.

References

1. Samaras N, Papadopoulou MA, Samaras D, Ongaro F. Off-label use of hormones as an antiaging strategy: a review. Clin Interv Aging. 2014 Jul 23;9:1175-86. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S48918. PMID: 25092967; PMCID: PMC4116364.

2. Hough CM, Lindqvist D, Epel ES, Denis MS, Reus VI, Bersani FS, Rosser R, Mahan L, Burke HM, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon SH. Higher serum DHEA concentrations before and after SSRI treatment are associated with remission of major depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology. 2017 Mar;77:122-130. doi: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.035. Epub 2016 Dec 5. PMID: 28038403; PMCID: PMC5336487.

3. von Mühlen D, Laughlin GA, Kritz-Silverstein D, Bergstrom J, Bettencourt R. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on bone mineral density, bone markers, and body composition in older adults: the DAWN trial. Osteoporos Int. 2008 May;19(5):699-707. doi: 10.1007/s00198-007-0520-z. Epub 2007 Dec 15. PMID: 18084691; PMCID: PMC2435090.

4. Ohlsson C, Nethander M, Norlén AK, Poutanen M, Gudmundsson EF, Aspelund T, Sigurdsson S, Ryberg H, Gudnason V, Tivesten Å. Serum DHEA and Testosterone Levels Associate Inversely With Coronary Artery Calcification in Elderly Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2023 Nov 17;108(12):3272-3279. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgad351. PMID: 37391895; PMCID: PMC10655543.

5. Wierman ME, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K. Should Dehydroepiandrosterone Be Administered to Women? J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2022 May 17;107(6):1679-1685. doi: 10.1210/clinem/dgac130. PMID: 35254428; PMCID: PMC9113789.

6. Baker WL, Karan S, Kenny AM. Effect of dehydroepiandrosterone on muscle strength and physical function in older adults: a systematic review. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2011 Jun;59(6):997-1002. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2011.03410.x. Epub 2011 Jun 7. PMID: 21649617.

7. El-Sakka AI. Dehydroepiandrosterone and Erectile Function: A Review. World J Mens Health. 2018 Sep;36(3):183-191. doi: 10.5534/wjmh.180005. Epub 2018 May 11. PMID: 29756417; PMCID: PMC6119841.

8. Rothe, Nicole, et al. “The Moderating Effect of Cortisol and Dehydroepiandrosterone on the Relation between Sleep and Depression or Burnout.” Comprehensive Psychoneuroendocrinology, vol. 7, no. 100051, 2021, p. 100051, doi:10.1016/j.cpnec.2021.100051.

9. Yuanyuan Li, Jie Ren, Na Li, Jie Liu, Shing Cheng Tan, Teck Yew Low, Zhimin Ma, A dose-response and meta-analysis of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on testosterone levels: perinatal prediction of randomized clinical trials,  Experimental Gerontology, Volume 141

10. Stéphanie Nouveau, Philippe Bastien, Francine Baldo, Olivier de Lacharriere, Effects of topical DHEA on aging skin: A pilot study, Maturitas, Volume 59, Issue 2.

11. Chen H, Jin Z, Sun C, Santos HO, Kord Varkaneh H. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) supplementation on cortisol, leptin, adiponectin, and liver enzyme levels: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. Int J Clin Pract. 2021 Nov;75(11):e14698. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.14698. Epub 2021 Aug 9. PMID: 34342920.

12. Kritz-Silverstein D, von Mühlen D, Laughlin GA, Bettencourt R. Effects of dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation on cognitive function and quality of life: the DHEA and Well-Ness (DAWN) Trial. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2008 Jul;56(7):1292-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1532-5415.2008.01768.x. Epub 2008 May 14. PMID: 18482290; PMCID: PMC2574781.

13. Caufriez A, Leproult R, L’Hermite-Balériaux M, Kerkhofs M, Copinschi G. Effects of a 3-week dehydroepiandrosterone administration on sleep, sex steroids and multiple 24-h hormonal profiles in postmenopausal women: a pilot study. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf). 2013 Nov;79(5):716-24. doi: 10.1111/cen.12201. Epub 2013 Apr 23. PMID: 23488643.

14. E. Baulieu, G. Thomas, S. Legrain, N. Lahlou, M. Roger, B. Debuire, V. Faucounau, L. Girard, M. Hervy, F. Latour, M. Leaud, A. Mokrane, H. Pitti-Ferrandi, C. Trivalle, O. de Lacharrière, S. Nouveau, B. Rakoto-Arison, J. Souberbielle, J. Raison, Y. Le Bouc, A. Raynaud, X. Girerd, F. Forette, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), DHEA sulfate, and aging: Contribution of the DHEAge Study to a sociobiomedical issue, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A.97 (8) 4279-4284, https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.97.8.4279 (2000).

15. Kimball, Allison, et al. “Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Levels Predict Weight Gain in Women with Anorexia Nervosa.” The International Journal of Eating Disorders, vol. 55, no. 8, 2022, pp. 1100–1107, doi:10.1002/eat.23767.

This article appears in Dec 11-24, 2024.