DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is the most abundant adrenal steroid in humans, converting peripherally to androstenedione and testosterone. Pregnenolone sits upstream of all steroid hormones, earning the nickname "mother hormone." Both decline with age, peaking in the 20s.
DHEA 25 to 50 mg daily has modest RCT support for improving bone density, skin aging, and libido in some postmenopausal women; effects are subtle and not universal. Pregnenolone evidence is thinner. Compounded combination capsules appear in women's HRT and longevity menus as adrenal support alongside estradiol and progesterone.
Monitor for androgenic side effects (acne, hair growth) with DHEA. Avoid in hormone-sensitive cancers without specialist clearance. CLYR Health offers DHEA + pregnenolone as a women's hormone preview SKU.