Does DHEA help with dry skin during perimenopause?

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a precursor hormone that converts into both estrogen and testosterone in body tissues. During perimenopause, falling DHEA and estrogen levels contribute to changes in skin texture, moisture, and elasticity. There is some biological basis for DHEA supporting skin health, and a small body of research backs this up, though the evidence is stronger for genital tissue than for skin elsewhere on the body.

Skin contains androgen receptors and estrogen receptors throughout the dermis and sebaceous glands. Sebum, the natural oil your skin produces, is partly regulated by androgen signaling, and DHEA can increase sebum production by converting to testosterone locally. A 2000 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that topical DHEA application improved skin hydration, thickness, and surface quality in postmenopausal women over six months. A later French study examining oral DHEA (50 mg daily) in older women also reported improvements in skin hydration and sebum secretion. These findings are consistent with what you would expect mechanistically: higher DHEA means more androgen and estrogen activity in skin tissue, which supports both sebum production and collagen synthesis. The evidence is modest and not replicated in large randomized trials, but it is more substantive than for many other supplement-symptom combinations.

The clearest evidence connects DHEA to genital skin and mucosal tissue rather than facial or body skin. Vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa, 6.5 mg nightly insert) is FDA-approved for genitourinary syndrome of menopause, a condition that includes vaginal dryness, thinning, and irritation. In the Intrarosa clinical trials, women showed significant improvements in vaginal tissue health, lubrication, and sexual comfort over 12 weeks. This makes biological sense: genital tissue is extremely androgen and estrogen sensitive, and DHEA converts locally in those tissues to address deficiencies. For skin on the face, hands, and body, the evidence is thinner, but the mechanism is plausible.

For systemic skin benefits, studies have used oral DHEA at doses of 25 to 50 mg daily. Topical DHEA preparations have been studied in some trials, though they are not widely available commercially. Vaginal DHEA (Intrarosa) is available by prescription and is the best-evidenced and safest form for targeted genital tissue benefits, with minimal absorption into the bloodstream. Get your baseline DHEA-S level tested before starting oral supplementation. Self-dosing without knowing your baseline risks pushing your hormones out of balance. Talk to your healthcare provider about the right form and dose for your specific concerns.

If you have or have had breast cancer, ovarian cancer, uterine cancer, endometriosis, PCOS, or uterine fibroids, do not use DHEA without discussing it with your healthcare provider first. At higher doses, DHEA can cause androgenic side effects: acne, oily skin, unwanted facial hair, scalp hair loss, and voice changes. If you are already using hormone therapy, adding DHEA without your provider's knowledge can create unpredictable hormonal shifts. Over-the-counter availability does not mean DHEA is safe to self-dose.

If you try DHEA for dry skin, improvement to facial and body skin typically takes eight to twelve weeks of consistent use to become noticeable, if it occurs at all. Vaginal tissue tends to respond more quickly, often within four to six weeks. In the meantime, barrier-focused skincare (ceramide moisturizers, hyaluronic acid serums applied to damp skin, and avoiding over-washing) can make a meaningful difference. Omega-3 fatty acids and collagen peptides also have some evidence for skin hydration and are lower-risk options to consider alongside whatever hormonal approach you and your provider agree on.

See a doctor if your skin dryness is severe, is accompanied by itching, rash, or skin breakdown, or has not improved with quality moisturizers and dietary support. Extremely dry skin can also signal thyroid dysfunction or nutritional deficiencies such as essential fatty acid deficiency, both of which are more common during perimenopause and are worth ruling out with blood work.

Tracking skin changes alongside your cycle phase, hydration, sleep, and any supplements you try helps you identify what is actually making a difference. The PeriPlan app lets you log symptoms daily, so you can see trends over weeks rather than relying on memory. Download it at https://apps.apple.com/app/periplan/id6740066498.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific situation.