Dehydroepiandrosterone
Dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA is a natural steroid prohormone, produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, the gonads, adipose tissue, brain and in the skin (by an autocrine mechanism). DHEA is the precursor of androstenedione, testosterone and estrogen. It is the most abundant hormone in the human body. There is a lack of available studies on the long-term effects of DHEA, however, there is sufficient evidence supporting the use of DHEA in the treatment of adrenal insufficiency, depression, induction of labor, and lupus.