Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor from which tissues synthesize androgens and estrogens.

Steroidogenesis: Steroidogenesis is the biological process by which steroid hormones are produced from cholesterol. DHEA is one product of this pathway and a starting material for downstream sex-hormone synthesis.
Adrenal cortex: The adrenal cortex is the outer region of the adrenal glands, where steroid hormones are synthesized. It is the principal source of circulating DHEA and DHEA sulfate.
DHEA supplement: A DHEA supplement is an orally or topically administered product containing dehydroepiandrosterone. Supplement use aims to raise DHEA levels, though benefits and risks depend on the condition and person.
Pregnenolone: Pregnenolone is a steroid hormone synthesized from cholesterol and a precursor to several steroid hormones. It lies upstream of DHEA in steroid synthesis rather than serving as DHEA’s downstream product.
DHEA sulfate: DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) is a sulfated form of DHEA that circulates abundantly in blood. Sulfation makes DHEA-S a circulating reservoir that tissues can convert back to DHEA.
Zona reticularis: The zona reticularis is the innermost layer of the adrenal cortex and a major site of adrenal androgen production. Its specialized steroid-enzyme expression supports DHEA synthesis.
Adrenal insufficiency: Adrenal insufficiency is inadequate production of one or more hormones by the adrenal glands. DHEA may be considered as an adjunct in some cases, alongside established hormone replacement.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate: Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is the sulfated, more abundant circulating form of dehydroepiandrosterone. Unlike unconjugated DHEA, DHEA-S is a stable reservoir with a longer circulating half-life.
Androstenedione: Androstenedione is a steroid hormone and intermediate in the synthesis of testosterone and estrogens. Enzymes can convert DHEA into androstenedione on the route to more potent hormones.
Adrenarche: Adrenarche is the developmental rise in adrenal androgen production that begins before puberty. The rise in DHEA and DHEA sulfate marks this distinct stage of development.

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EstroneRelated: It can enter pathways that ultimately supply estrone-producing androgen substrates.