The present invention is directed to a method of using dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) to treat a human female with diminished ovarian reserve. The method includes measuring a baseline follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) level of the human female, and when the baseline FSH level is below about 40.0 mIU/ml, administering about 75 milligrams of DHEA per day to the female for at least four months to treat ovarian follicles in at least one ovary of the female to improve human folliculogenesis during the at least four months. The present invention further is directed to a method of restoring the ovarian environment of an older human female to that of a younger human female. The method includes administering about 75 milligrams of DHEA per day to the female for at least four months.