DHEA 5/10/25mg (Take 1 Cap PO QAM)

Route: Oral capsule, taken by mouth.

• Take one capsule each morning (QAM) as directed by the prescriber.
• May be taken with or without food.
• Morning dosing aligns with the endogenous DHEA diurnal peak.
• Swallow capsule whole unless the prescriber has specifically directed otherwise.

Dosing is entirely prescriber-directed. Lower-strength DHEA formulations (5–25 mg/day) are generally used for:

• Conservative initiation: Patients sensitive to androgenic side effects or those with low baseline DHEA-S levels being carefully titrated.
• Maintenance dosing: After titration from a higher starting dose, when serum DHEA-S targets are achieved.
• Female patients: Physiologic supplementation in women often uses lower doses (5–25 mg) than in men, to minimize risk of androgenic adverse effects.

Dose selection and titration are determined by the prescriber based on serum DHEA-S levels, clinical symptoms, and tolerance.

• DHEA: An adrenal Δ5 steroid, DHEA undergoes peripheral tissue-specific conversion via 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD enzymes into androstenedione and testosterone (androgenic pathway) and via aromatase into estrone and estradiol (estrogenic pathway). It binds androgen and estrogen receptors with low affinity and acts directly as a neurosteroid modulating NMDA, GABA-A, and σ1 receptors. Inhibition of G6PDH may mediate some anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Age-related decline in adrenal DHEA-S concentrations reduces the circulating precursor pool available for peripheral hormone synthesis.

Clinical Context: Lower-dose DHEA formulations (5–25 mg) are typically used in women with documented DHEA-S deficiency, particularly peri- and postmenopausal women experiencing symptoms of relative androgen insufficiency (low libido, fatigue, mood changes) where conservative dosing is preferred to minimize androgenic side effects. They may also be used in patients with adrenal insufficiency who require gentle adrenal androgen replacement alongside corticosteroid therapy, and in older adults with low-normal DHEA-S for age-appropriate physiologic replacement.

Monitoring:

• Serum DHEA-S, testosterone, and estradiol at baseline and after 6–12 weeks.
• Clinical assessment for acne, hirsutism, or hair changes.
• Lipid panel and liver function as clinically indicated.

Contraindications:

• Known or suspected hormone-sensitive malignancies (breast, ovarian, endometrial, prostate).
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• Uncontrolled androgen-excess conditions without appropriate monitoring.

Warnings & Precautions:

• Even at lower doses, androgenic effects (acne, hirsutism) may occur in susceptible patients, particularly women.
• Estrogenic stimulation through peripheral conversion may be relevant in patients with estrogen-sensitive conditions.
• Hepatic first-pass metabolism: monitor liver function in patients with hepatic disease.

Drug Interactions:

• Warfarin: potential effect on INR — monitor closely.
• Antidiabetic medications: DHEA may influence insulin sensitivity.
• Other hormone therapies: additive hormonal effects.

Common Side Effects: At lower doses, androgenic side effects are less common but may still include mild acne, oily skin, or mood changes. These are generally dose-dependent and reversible.

Store at controlled room temperature (20–25°C / 68–77°F). Protect from moisture, heat, and light. Keep in original tightly sealed container. Store out of reach of children. Use before the beyond-use date assigned by Genesis Compounding.

Why is a lower dose like 5mg or 10mg sometimes prescribed?

Lower doses allow prescribers to fine-tune DHEA supplementation, particularly in women who may be more sensitive to androgenic effects or in patients being initiated conservatively to assess response. The goal is to restore DHEA-S to a low-normal physiologic range without producing excess androgenic or estrogenic activity.

What is the difference between 5mg, 10mg, and 25mg options?

The specific strength is individualized by the prescriber based on the patient's baseline serum DHEA-S levels and clinical symptoms. Compounding allows these precise, low-strength formulations that are not commercially available.

How soon will I notice effects?

Serum DHEA-S levels typically rise within 2–4 weeks of daily supplementation. Clinical effects (mood, energy, libido) may take 4–8 weeks. Prescribers should reassess laboratory values and symptoms at follow-up visits.

Is this product FDA-approved?

This is a prescription-only, patient-specific 503A compounded preparation prepared by Genesis Compounding. It is not FDA-approved as a compounded product. DHEA itself is not FDA-approved as a prescription drug for most uses; it is compounded here at clinical grade under prescriber direction.

Can women of reproductive age take DHEA?

DHEA supplementation is generally used in postmenopausal or perimenopausal women, or in premenopausal women with documented adrenal insufficiency under close supervision. It is contraindicated in pregnancy due to risk of fetal androgenization. Prescribers should assess reproductive status before prescribing.