Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is a natural steroid prohormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, gonads, adipose tissue, brain, and in skin (by an autocrine mechanism). DHEA is the precursor of androstenedione, testosterone, and estrogen. It is the most abundant hormone in the human body.
In a simple view, DHEA can be understood as a prohormone for sex steroids. Its DHEAS variation may be looked at as buffer and reservoir. Its production in the brain suggests that it also has a role as a neurosteroid. As most DHEA is produced by the zona reticularis of the adrenal, it is argued that there is a role in the immune and stress response. DHEA may have more biologic roles as well.
The significance of DHEA in health and disease is not fully established. It is postulated that DHEA supplements are beneficial in alleviating cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, disorders of the immune system, depression, osteoporosis, and decreased libido.
