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Why Take DHEA At Night: A Guide to Improved Hormone Balance

Why Take DHEA At Night: A Guide to Improved Hormone Balance

Posted by Leonard Shemtob on Oct 23, 2023

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands.

It plays a crucial role in the production of other hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Maintaining balanced levels of DHEA is essential for a variety of bodily functions and overall health.


Short Summary:

  • Delving into the benefits of nighttime DHEA supplementation, focusing on hormonal balance, sleep quality, and alignment with the body's natural rhythm.
  • Examination of DHEA's potential benefits through hormonal support, fat metabolism enhancement, and anti-catabolic effects.
  • Spotlight on top 5 DHEA supplements, discussing their key ingredients and benefits in supporting muscle growth, fat loss, and overall performance.
  • Strong emphasis on consulting with healthcare providers before starting DHEA supplementation to ensure its safety and effectiveness for individual health circumstances.
  • Buy the Best DHEA supplement and enhance your hormone levels, muscle growth, and overall wellness.
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Why Take DHEA at Night?

It's believed that DHEA levels peak in the early morning and gradually decline throughout the day.

Taking DHEA supplements at night could potentially align with the body's natural hormone production cycle. This can greatly aid in hormonal balancing and promoting better sleep quality.

DHEA serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. The body's natural production of DHEA follows a diurnal rhythm. Much like the sleep-wake cycle, peaking in the early morning hours and gradually decreasing throughout the day.

This rhythm is crucial as it aligns with the body's other physiological processes. Here’s a deeper dive into why taking DHEA at night might be beneficial:

Alignment with Natural Rhythm
  • The secretion of many hormones is controlled by the circadian rhythm. By taking DHEA supplements at night, you may align the supplementation with your body's natural hormone production cycle. This can potentially enhance the effectiveness and absorption of DHEA.
Improved Sleep Quality
  • Some research suggests that DHEA may help in improving sleep quality. Sleep is a crucial time for the body to repair and rejuvenate. Having balanced hormone levels could contribute to a better night's sleep.
Enhanced Hormonal Balance
  • Taking DHEA at night might aid in maintaining a more stable hormonal balance. It could help in leveling out the natural DHEA declines that occur in the evening. This can provide a steady hormonal environment that may be conducive to rest and recovery.
Support for Growth Hormone Production
  • Growth hormone also follows a diurnal rhythm, with a significant release shortly after the onset of deep sleep. Since DHEA is a precursor to other hormones, having adequate levels during this time might support the natural production of growth hormone. This is crucial for muscle growth, fat metabolism, and overall recovery.
Reduced Cortisol Levels
  • Cortisol, the body's primary stress hormone, tends to decrease during the early sleep period. DHEA has been known to counterbalance some effects of cortisol. By taking DHEA at night, it may help in managing stress levels and promoting a relaxed state conducive to restful sleep.
Preparation for the Next Day
  • Supplementing with DHEA at night can help ensure that your body has sufficient levels to kickstart the next day's hormone production cycle.
Optimized Immune System Function
  • DHEA has been found to have immune-enhancing properties. Ensuring adequate levels through nighttime supplementation may help in keeping the immune system robust and responsive.


DHEA and Anti-Aging

As we age, DHEA levels decline, which may contribute to lower energy levels, impaired cognitive functions, and a weakened immune system.

Some studies suggest that DHEA supplementation can help combat these age-related issues.


DHEA and Sexual Function

DHEA plays a significant role in sexual function by contributing to the production of male and female sex hormones.

Supplementing with DHEA might help improve sex drive and sexual function, although individual responses may vary.


DHEA for Weight Loss and Muscle Mass

Some research suggests that DHEA can help with weight loss and muscle mass by improving hormone levels and boosting metabolic rate.

Here’s an in-depth exploration of how DHEA supplementation might be beneficial for weight loss and muscle mass:

Increased Muscle Mass:

  • Hormonal Support: By boosting the levels of anabolic hormones like testosterone, DHEA provides a conducive environment for muscle growth. This is particularly beneficial for older adults whose hormone levels decline with age.
  • Protein Synthesis: Anabolic hormones promote protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle growth and repair. Higher levels of these hormones could help individuals gain muscle mass more efficiently.

Fat Metabolism:

  • Enhanced Metabolic Rate: Evidence suggests that DHEA supplementation might help increase metabolic rate. This helps burn fat more effectively.
  • Inhibition of Fat Storage: DHEA may also play a role in reducing the amount of fat stored in the body. By affecting certain enzymes involved in fat storage, it could potentially help in managing body weight.

Energy Expenditure:

  • Improved Energy Levels: DHEA is known to help improve energy levels. This could be beneficial for individuals looking to increase their physical activity and calorie expenditure, aiding in weight loss.
  • Enhanced Stamina and Endurance: With better energy levels, individuals might find they have increased stamina and endurance. This ultimately allows for longer and more intense workouts which can contribute to muscle mass development and fat loss.

Insulin Sensitivity:

  • Better Glucose Utilization: DHEA may help in improving insulin sensitivity which is crucial for proper glucose utilization. This can be beneficial in preventing fat storage and promoting lean muscle mass growth.

Reduced Inflammation:

  • Supportive Environment for Muscle Growth: By reducing systemic inflammation, DHEA creates a more supportive environment for muscle growth and recover. This can be essential for gaining muscle mass and strength.

Anti-catabolic Effects:

  • Preservation of Muscle Mass: DHEA’s potential anti-catabolic effects help in preserving muscle mass. Especially during calorie-restricted diets, which are often employed during weight loss regimens.

Hormonal Balancing:

  • Optimized Hormone Levels: DHEA creates a more favorable hormonal environment for muscle growth and fat loss. This is especially noticeable in older adults where a decline in anabolic hormones is common.


Top 5 DHEA Supplements

Each of these supplements contains DHEA or help boost DHEA levels along with other ingredients to optimize benefits:

Dermacrine by Iconic Formulations

Dermacrine by Iconic Formulations

Dermacrine is a hormone-optimizing topical gel that primarily contains DHEA and Pregnenolone. Dermacrine aims to balance hormonal levels, boost energy, and support fat loss. It helps promote performance, libido, and overall well-being.

Key Ingredients:

  • DHEA
  • 7,8-Benzoflavone
  • Pregnenolone
  • Resveratrol
  • Chrysin

Key Benefits:

  • Helps increase lean mass
  • Helps increase strength
  • Supports increases in growth hormone and IGF-1
  • Helps increase energy
  • Supports fat loss
  • Helps boost libido


Hyperion by Apex Alchemy - 60 ml

Hyperion by Apex Alchemy

Hyperion is a multi-ingredient gel formulated by Apex Alchemy to enhance testosterone levels and combat aging. The product contains natural extracts like stinging nettle roots to inhibit Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). This can help by potentially increasing free testosterone levels in the body.

Key Ingredients:

  • DHEA
  • Stinging Nettle Root

Other ingredients: Ethanol, Benzyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Mixed Tocopherols, Godmania Aesculifolia (leaf) extract, Ascorbyl palmitate, purified water, Eucalyptus essential oil, Peppermint Essential Oil, Hydroxypropy cellulose.

Key Benefits:

  • Anti-aging
  • Testosterone enhancing
  • Inhibits Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Epilean Shred by EPG

Epilean Shred by EPG

Epilean Shred by EPG is designed to provide experienced athletes with increased stamina, muscle definition, and enhanced performance during training. The blend of ingredients work to promote muscle development, reduce estrogen, decrease cortisol levels, and elevate free testosterone. This combo greatly aids in achieving a lean and shredded physique.

Key Ingredients:

  • DHEA
  • Epicatechin
  • L-Carnitine L-Tartrate
  • Acacetin
  • Grapefruit Seed Extract (Citrus Paradisi)
  • Gamma-Butyrobetain Ethyl Ester Chloride
  • Magnesium

Key Benefits:

  • Increased stamina
  • Muscle definition
  • Overall performance improvement during training
  • Leaner muscle gains
  • Harder muscles
  • Helps increase strength
  • Best DHEA supplement for weight loss and muscle hardness

17-Beta by iSatori

17-Beta by iSatori

17-BETA by iSatori is a potent supplement formulated with a variety of natural ingredients to boost testosterone levels and reduce estrogen. It's crafted to promote noticeable strength gains, increase muscle mass, and enhance sexual drive and performance. Its a comprehensive choice for those looking to improve their anabolic axis.

Key Ingredients:

  • DHEA
  • Fenugreek
  • Protodioscin
  • Tribulus Terrestris
  • D-Aspartic Acid
  • Safed Musil Root Extract
  • Avena Sativa
  • Bulbine Natalensis
  • Mucuna Pruriens
  • Deer Antler Velvet
  • Ashwagandha
  • Yacon Root
  • Bladderwrack
  • Resveratol
  • Chrysin
  • DIIM
  • Indole-3-Carbinol
  • White Button Mushroom Extract

Key Benefits:

  • Boosts testosterone levels
  • Reduces estrogen levels
  • Promotes noticeable strength gains
  • Helps increase muscle mass
  • Improves sexual drive and performance

Tribesterone by Hi Tech Pharmaceuticals

Tribesterone by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals

Tribesterone is a bodybuilding supplement by Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals primarily containing clinically researched Tribulus Terrestris. Tribesterone is aimed at increasing muscle mass and improving testosterone response. Not only does it help enhance muscle strength and training endurance but also boosts energy levels, mood, and sexual drive. It provides a holistic approach to improving physical performance and well-being.

Key Ingredients:

  • Bulgarian Tribulus Terrestris

Key Benefits:

  • Optimizes DHEA levels
  • Increases muscle mass
  • Improves LH & testosterone response
  • Improved erectile ability
  • Increases free testosterone levels
  • Provides energy
  • Improves mood
  • Increases sex drive
  • Helps increase strength and training endurance

To Wrap Things Up

Taking DHEA supplements at night might offer several benefits in line with our body's natural hormonal rhythm. Choosing a high-quality DHEA supplement like the ones listed above could potentially optimize these benefits.

Written and Sponsored by Leonard Shemtob

Leonard Shemtob is President of Strong Supplements and a published author. Leonard has been in the supplement space for over 20 years, specializing in fitness supplements and nutrition. Leonard appears on many podcasts, written over 100 articles about supplements and has studied nutrition, supplementation and bodybuilding. 

Leonard's articles have been published in many top publications around the web. Leonard enjoys weight training, playing basketball and yoga, and also enjoys hiking. In his free time he studies and works on improving himself. For more detailed information, visit his official blog.

DHEA FAQs

Some DHEA supplements are specifically formulated to support testosterone production. Among them, Dermacrine is often the most popular choice.
By supporting hormone production, DHEA can help maintain energy levels, especially as they naturally decline with age.
High doses of DHEA can cause side effects and potentially upset the body's natural hormone balance.

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