The supplement aisle keeps getting bigger, and so do the promises printed on glossy labels. At the start of the year, some physicians are urging people to slow down and look harder at what they are actually taking, especially products that are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and rely on vague blends or bold claims without strong clinical backing. The concern is not just wasted money. In some cases, the wrong supplement can interfere with hormones, metabolism, and long-term health in ways most shoppers never expect.
One of the biggest red flags is DHEA, short for dehydroepiandrosterone. It is often marketed for fertility support and hormone balance, yet it is not FDA-approved for those uses. Dr. Brian Levine told SheFinds that the lack of approval means safety and effectiveness are not guaranteed, and he warns that DHEA can throw hormones off track. Potential side effects he points to include acne, increased hair growth, and a deepening voice, which is why he advises patients to stop taking it.
Another category doctors want people to rethink is anything labeled as a proprietary blend. These products list ingredients but do not disclose exact amounts, which makes it difficult to judge whether a formula is helpful, pointless, or risky. Dr. Yoon Hang Kim also spoke to SheFinds about why this matters, noting that without clear clinical trial results and transparent dosing, it is hard to evaluate what you are putting into your body. When quantities are hidden, people can unknowingly end up with too little to matter or too much to be safe.
Weight-loss “fat burners” are also on the list, largely because they often lean on stimulants and exaggerated outcomes. Some include undisclosed levels of caffeine, herbal stimulants, or compounds that are not approved for weight loss. Health experts warn that this lack of transparency can raise the risk of heart palpitations, anxiety, higher blood pressure, and sleep issues, all while offering results that may not match the marketing.
Testosterone-boosting supplements round out the four, and the warning is similar. Doctors note these products frequently lack FDA approval and strong clinical evidence, relying instead on herbal mixes and hormone precursors that may not meaningfully raise testosterone. Self-treating can disrupt natural hormone balance and, just as importantly, delay a proper medical evaluation when symptoms need real attention.
Have you ever taken any of these supplements, or been tempted by the claims on the label? Share what you’ve learned in the comments.
