DHEA(Dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone produced and secreted mainly by cells in the zona reticularis of the adrenal cortex. DHEA is taken up by specific organs and tissues that contain DHEA receptors（such as the skin, breasts, and reproductive organs）and is converted within these tissues into active hormones（including estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone）. DHEA is one of the most abundant steroid hormones in the human body. Its levels vary according to age and sex and generally begin to decline gradually after the age of 30.
In addition to being naturally produced by the body, DHEA can also be supplemented externally. Diosgenin, a compound found in wild yam, has a chemical structure similar to steroidal saponins and can be used as a raw material for manufacturing synthetic hormones and steroid medications. However, simply consuming wild yam does not cause the body to convert diosgenin directly into these hormones. Laboratory processing involving multiple stages of concentration and purification is required to produce highly concentrated active ingredients. Both naturally produced DHEA and orally administered DHEA supplements are metabolized in the liver into DHEA-S(Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate). Therefore, taking natural wild yam extract alone may not effectively increase blood levels of DHEA/DHEA-S.
Clinical studies suggest that in patients with diminished ovarian function or premature ovarian insufficiency, particularly women of advanced reproductive age, taking 75～90㎎ of DHEA daily for approximately three months during IVF treatment may help improve ovarian reserve, increase the number of eggs retrieved, improve embryo quality, and potentially increase pregnancy rates. Long-term DHEA supplementation may cause side effects such as acne, increased sebum production, and increased body hair. However, significant side effects are generally less common when the daily dose is below 100㎎. Patients with polycystic ovary syndrome(Polycystic ovary syndrome，abbreviated as PCOS ) already tend to have elevated androgen levels. Additional DHEA supplementation may further increase androgen levels and potentially worsen symptoms. Therefore, you should always consult your physician before taking DHEA and should not supplement it on your own.
