Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced by your adrenal glands, as well as by the gonads and brain. It serves mainly as a precursor in the production of male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. DHEA is one of the most abundant circulating steroids in humans. DHEA plays multiple biological roles:
- It contributes to androgenic effects during adrenarche, such as early hair growth and skin changes, through conversion into testosterone and dihydrotestosterone locally.
- It acts as a weak estrogen and can be converted into potent estrogens like estradiol in certain tissues.
- It functions as a neurosteroid with important effects in the central nervous system.
DHEA levels peak in early adulthood, around the mid-20s to 30 years, and then gradually decline with age, reducing by up to 80% during adulthood. This decline is linked to several aging-related conditions, including lower bone density, adrenal insufficiency, heart disease, depression, and general mortality. DHEA is available as a synthetic supplement in various forms like tablets, capsules, creams, gels, and powders. It is promoted for potential benefits such as boosting sex drive, supporting adrenal function, improving mood, memory, energy, muscle strength, and slowing some aging effects. However, scientific evidence supporting many of these claims remains limited or mixed. The supplement is sometimes prescribed for adrenal insufficiency and certain other health conditions. In summary, DHEA is both a naturally occurring hormone important for hormone synthesis and a supplement used with hopes of various health benefits, though more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. This explanation is based on detailed medical and scientific sources including Wikipedia, Mayo Clinic, WebMD, and Healthline.
