NutriStack
Ashwagandha and DHEA, a caution.
DHEA raises androgens; ashwagandha modestly raises testosterone in men. Combined use can compound androgenic effects.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
Same shape as the other 1,729 pairs in the public database.
From the interaction database
What the row says.
Every entry follows the same shape: what is happening, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
At a glance
- Substances
- Ashwagandha and DHEA
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 1 source
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Supplement
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Emerging evidence
Caution
What is happening. DHEA raises androgens; ashwagandha modestly raises testosterone in men. Combined use can compound androgenic effects.
Mechanism. DHEA converts to downstream androgens; ashwagandha modestly raises serum testosterone via LH-related mechanisms and cortisol suppression.
Recommendation. Monitor free testosterone, estradiol, and DHEA-S. Lower DHEA dose may be sufficient when combined.
Sources (1)
- Lopresti AL et al. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha. Am J Men's Health. 2019
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Ashwagandha and DHEA are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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