For women in menopause, the main benefits of taking DHEA include increased energy levels, enhanced libido, and improved mood and cognition. DHEA can also support long-term health by helping maintain bone strength, lean muscle mass, and a healthy metabolism. It may also help reduce signs of skin aging.

Our DHEA capsules work by supplementing the body’s natural levels of DHEA, a hormone precursor (or prohormone) that your body can convert into estrogen and testosterone. Levels of these hormones naturally decline during menopause. Our physicians prescribe DHEA doses that are designed to help bring your hormone levels back into a healthy balance.

Yes, taking DHEA can help gently increase testosterone levels. DHEA is a hormone precursor that your body can metabolize into other hormones, including testosterone. Because testosterone plays a role in libido, some menopausal women taking DHEA may notice an increase in their sex drive.

While individual results can vary, many women report improvements in energy and mood within four to six weeks of using DHEA. More significant benefits related to libido and skin health may take three months or more of consistent daily use.

For most menopausal women, 25 milligrams (mg) is an effective dose, but it's safe to increase to 50 mg if needed. Winona does not prescribe DHEA in doses above 50 mg.

DHEA can be taken at any time of day. It’s best to choose a time that’s convenient and easy for you to remember.

You can take DHEA with or without food. For some individuals, taking medications without food can cause an upset stomach. In these cases, it’s better to take DHEA with a meal.

When taken at the prescribed dose, DHEA is generally well-tolerated. Side effects are typically mild and may include oily skin, acne, or an upset stomach. If you experience any side effects that concern you, please consult your Winona physician.

Taking too much DHEA may lead to increased body hair or facial hair growth, a condition known as hirsutism. However, Winona prescribes DHEA at clinically safe and appropriate levels, which should cause neither excessive hair growth nor hair loss.

Some research suggests that DHEA may increase muscle mass and decrease body fat in some individuals. However, this does not guarantee an effect on body weight. While it may offer some benefits for some women, DHEA is not recommended as a treatment for weight management during menopause.

Yes, you can take DHEA together with other HRT treatments like progesterone. However, because both treatments affect hormone levels, it’s important that the dose of DHEA and doses of HRT be carefully managed.

Although you can buy DHEA as an over-the-counter supplement, these products are not strictly regulated, which means you can’t always be sure of the quality of their ingredients. Having a prescription for DHEA ensures you’re receiving the highest-quality ingredients and allows your doctor to closely monitor your treatment for safety and effectiveness.

Topical DHEA is not absorbed into the body as effectively as oral DHEA. While some doctors may prescribe DHEA as a vaginal cream for localized effects, oral supplementation remains the most effective method of administration for systemic absorption.

No, Winona’s DHEA capsules contain bovine gelatin and are therefore not vegan.

You can get your prescription by completing our online onboarding process. This starts with a free intake where you'll answer questions about your health and symptoms. A board-certified doctor will then review your information to determine if you are a candidate for treatment and, if so, will issue a prescription for DHEA.

Once your prescription is issued, there’s a 24-hour review period before the pharmacy begins processing your order. The pharmacy typically prepares your medication within 1–3 business days, followed by shipping, which takes another 1–3 business days. On average, most patients receive their DHEA within about 5 business days.

Your DHEA is delivered directly to your door. Standard shipping is free on all prescriptions. If you need your medication sooner, expedited options are available at checkout, including USPS Priority (2–3 business days) or FedEx Overnight for an additional fee.

While Winona is currently unable to bill insurance companies directly, you can use your HSA (Health Savings Account) or FSA (Flexible Spending Account) card to pay for your DHEA at checkout. You’ll also have access to receipts and documentation that you can use to submit and file a claim with your insurance provider for possible reimbursement.

Only intravaginal DHEA (prasterone) is FDA approved. Oral DHEA is considered a supplement and is therefore not approved by the FDA. Our DHEA is prepared for you by a state-licensed compounding pharmacy that follows strict quality standards.

Your treatment is personalized, and ongoing care is included. If you feel your dosage needs adjustment, you can discuss this with your doctor anytime via messaging in the secure Patient Portal. Adjustments are free, and your doctor will work with you to find the right dosage for your needs.

Your Winona subscription includes unlimited, 24/7 messaging with your board-certified doctor. You can ask questions about your DHEA, discuss your symptoms, or request dosage adjustments at any time through the secure Patient Portal.

Your treatment is set up as a subscription, so refills for DHEA are automatically processed and shipped based on your treatment schedule — that way, you never run out. You can manage your subscription, change your shipping date, or cancel at any time.