Yes — DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is banned by WADA, and here’s why:
1. It’s an anabolic precursor
DHEA is listed as a Category S1 anabolic agent under the WADA Prohibited List. It’s a precursor steroid that the body can convert into testosterone and other potent androgens, making it capable of enhancing muscle strength, recovery, and overall athletic performance
2. Performance enhancement potential
Research shows that exogenous DHEA significantly increases blood levels of testosterone, DHT, and estrone wada-ama.org. Its ability to shift the athlete’s hormone balance and trigger metabolic changes is enough for WADA to deem it performance‑enhancing