Spoiler: Participants got stronger, built more muscle, and made faster gains than with weight training alone.

Key Takeaways:

• DHEA on its own didn't build much muscle or strength.
• Weight training on its own helped improve strength and increase lean muscle (as expected).
• But the combo of DHEA + strength training did significantly better in both:
  • Muscle mass gains (especially in the legs)
  • Muscle strength
  • Fat mass loss

So in simple terms:
In the study, DHEA appeared to act like a power-up button — making training noticeably more effective for participants, and associated with supporting muscle maintenance alongside training.

What This Means for Women 40+:

Even though this study was in older adults, it has interesting implications for midlife women who are:

• Noticing changes in muscle and strength associated with declining estrogen and DHEA
• Starting or already doing weight training
• Experiencing lower energy or slower recovery between sessions

Research suggests that adding DHEA to a training routine may support your overall energy and complement your fitness goals — making your workouts work harder for you.

https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpendo.00100.2006

This article is for educational and general wellness purposes only. It is not medical advice and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you have questions about your health or are considering any supplement, please consult a knowledgeable healthcare provider.