Do you know the age at which men should start taking DHEA supplements? If you’re between the ages of 21 and 25, according to a study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine. But some experts believe it’s better to wait even longer before starting this type of hormonal supplementation. Read on to learn more about the best age to start taking DHEA in order to maintain optimal testosterone levels and how different factors such as weight may affect your decision.

The Study

Published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), researchers found that after taking a daily dose of 25mg of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for 1 year, men over 65 who had low levels of androgens, to begin with experienced a considerable increase in bone mineral density and lean body mass. Additionally, they reported better mental health.

Why Men Should Start Taking DHEA

More research is needed to determine what dose, or if any, of men can benefit from taking DHEA supplements. Until then, anyone who is considering taking it should talk to a doctor first. And if you’re unsure about whether or not you should be taking it, it might be better to wait until more research is done. 

For example, at least one study has shown that supplementing with other hormones like testosterone in older men could actually cause more harm than good by altering important hormone levels. On top of that, excess androgens can raise your risk for prostate cancer over time. Until we know more about its effects on aging men and their hormone levels, we just don’t know how safe it really is.

How They Can Take DHEA

You can take DHEA in pill form, a sublingual form (under your tongue), or a topical cream. If you are taking it as an oral supplement, start with 25mg per day. If you feel there is no difference after 30 days, try increasing to 50mg and then eventually 100mg if desired.

There are studies showing that even up to 500mg a day has little negative effect on adults, though you should always check with your doctor before taking any supplements. 

The only major side effects of DHEA supplementation have been weight gain and acne, but some people find they have more energy when taking it. More research needs to be done on whether its benefits outweigh its risks for people who do not suffer from low levels of testosterone. Until more information is available, men who choose to take DHEA should keep their consumption under 50mg daily because anything higher could increase estrogen levels too much which could cause problems like breast growth and prostate enlargement. 

If you’re worried about taking too much and don’t want to get blood work done regularly to monitor hormone levels, talk with your doctor about using less than 50mg daily or switch back to regular dosing once symptoms improve.

What Age Should One Start Thinking About Taking DHEA?

As always, if you’re taking any form of testosterone boosting supplement, it’s a good idea to speak with your doctor before doing so. The United States National Library of Medicine advises speaking with your physician about starting any hormone supplements at around age 25. 

Testosterone levels start to drop between 25 and 35 years old, which can lead to numerous symptoms including weight gain, moodiness, and fatigue. If you think that you might be suffering from Low T or Andropause, then speak with your doctor today! 

You should also look into hormone replacement therapy or bio-identical hormones that may be an option for you. There are many benefits to taking DHEA, but there are some risks as well. Make sure you know what those risks are before trying anything new.

Ingredients to Consider When Buying a Bottle of DHEA

Like most supplements, DHEA comes in a variety of forms. The two most popular forms are DHEA sulfate and DHEA acetate, but there is also an enteric-coated version that dissolves in your stomach called Dehdrin, as well as a time-released formula called Zhean. It’s important to note that when choosing between these three versions, there aren’t any studies directly comparing them; they all seem to have positive results based on user reviews. 

In addition to finding out what type of supplement you need, you should also make sure it contains 100 mg of active ingredients per capsule (some products may contain up to 200 mg). To get started with taking DHEA, start with a dose of 25-50 mg daily for one week and then increase by 25-50 mg every week until you reach your desired dosage. 

You can take it with or without food and at any time during the day. For example, if you want to take 50 mg daily (or 3 capsules), take one capsule every morning after breakfast for seven days. Then increase by one capsule every morning for another seven days until you reach 3 capsules per day (or 50mg).

Are There Detriments to Taking It at Too a Young Age?

Though some studies have shown positive effects on body composition in younger men, other research has shown negative consequences, like an increased risk of prostate cancer. Since there’s no hard and fast rule, it’s best to speak with your doctor or an endocrinologist before taking any supplements. The only exception is if you are prescribed a low dose by a medical professional. 

That being said, there isn’t a set age when you should start taking these supplements; it depends on your current health situation and how effective they are for treating your symptoms.

What Are They Good For?

Researchers believe that DHEA is beneficial for several reasons:

• Improved body composition-less fat mass, more lean muscle mass.
• Increased Energy
• Potentially aid with sexual dysfunction

At what age should men start taking DHEA supplements?

The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism states that older adults may experience a slight boost in immune system activity and testosterone, while younger adults can experience growth of muscle mass and strength.

• If you’re older than 35, you should take 50 mg daily with food.
• For men ages 25 to 35, taking 25 mg daily is recommended. 

Younger men who are not concerned about low testosterone or lack of growth hormone should not take any supplements as it could have negative side effects on your body if taken at a young age when your body isn’t fully developed yet.

Final Words

If you are over forty, I recommend that you start taking a daily dose of 5-10 mg of DHEA, which has been shown to improve male health and testosterone levels. A daily dose of 10mgs is recommended for men over 45. Do not take more than 20mgs of DHEA per day since large doses can increase your risk of developing hormone imbalances.