Evidence supporting the use of: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone)
For the body system: Cortisol

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to androgens and estrogens. Its use in supporting the "Cortisol body system" is based on its role in adrenal physiology. Cortisol and DHEA are both produced in the adrenal cortex, and their balance is thought to reflect overall adrenal health. Some studies have shown that DHEA levels decline with age and that individuals with adrenal insufficiency or chronic stress may have altered DHEA-to-cortisol ratios.

Scientific evidence for DHEA supplementation to specifically support or modulate cortisol levels is limited. Some small clinical trials and observational studies have reported that DHEA supplementation may reduce some negative effects of chronically elevated cortisol, such as mood disturbances and immune suppression, possibly by counteracting certain actions of cortisol or by improving subjective well-being in individuals under chronic stress. However, these effects are not robustly demonstrated, and DHEA is not an established therapy for adrenal insufficiency or for the regulation of cortisol production in otherwise healthy individuals.

Overall, DHEA’s use for "supporting the Cortisol body system" is grounded in scientific rationale related to adrenal hormones, but strong clinical evidence is lacking, and routine use for this purpose is not widely endorsed by endocrinology guidelines.

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