DHEA is most effective when treating documented hormone deficiencies or specific medical issues rather than as a general wellness supplement:

: It is "likely effective" for treating thinning vaginal tissue (vaginal atrophy) in postmenopausal women. FDA-approved vaginal inserts are available for this purpose.

: Some evidence indicates it may be "possibly effective" for improving mood in people with low DHEA levels, though it is not a first-line therapy.