5 - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a 19-carbon endogenous natural steroid hormone. It
is the major secretory steroidal product of the adrenal glands and is also produced by
the gonads and the brain. DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid in humans.
DHEA has been implicated in a broad range of biological effects in humans and other
mammals. It acts on the androgen receptor both directly and through its metabolites, which
include androstenediol and androstenedione, which can undergo further conversion to
produce the androgen testosterone and the estrogens estrone and estradiol. DHEA is also a
potent sigma- 1 agonist. It is considered a neurosteroid.
DHEA levels in the blood correlate with mood, memory and functional abilities, but
causation cannot be inferred.
