Dehydroepiandrosteron

Dehydroepiandrosterone, commonly abbreviated as DHEA, is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal cortex, as well as the gonads and the brain. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of both androgenic and estrogenic hormones, contributing to the regulation of sexual development and various metabolic processes. Chemically, DHEA is classified as an 18-carbon steroid with a distinct 3β-hydroxyl and 17β-ester structure, which distinguishes it from other hubster hormones.

The adrenal glands secrete DHEA in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation. Peak concentrations are observed in early adulthood, after which levels gradually decline with age—a pattern linked to changes in physical vigor and skin hydration. In peripheral tissues, DHEA can be converted to androstenedione, testosterone, and estrone, thereby influencing multiple physiological systems including the reproductive axis, immune function, and neuroprotection.

Supplementation of DHEA has been examined for a range of indications such as osteoporosis, fatigue, and depression in older populations. While some studies indicate modest benefits in bone density and mood, evidence remains inconclusive, and regulatory agencies have called for caution. Potential adverse effects include acne, hirsutism, and alterations in lipid profiles, and long‑term safety data are limited. Research continues into its role in neurodegeneration, cardiovascular health, and metabolic regulation, but definitive therapeutic applications have yet to be established.