Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate represent the most abundant sex steroid in humans. In addition to age-related reduction, serum DHEA shows large interindividual variability. Although cross-sectional studies suggest that lower levels are associated with cardiovascular, cognitive and sexual impairment in women, clinical trials of oral DHEA replacement have failed to show benefits. However, current evidence is too imprecise to draw definite conclusions.