Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone is the most abundant adrenal steroid hormone in the body. The adrenal glands make it, and from there it travels into cells throughout the body, where it is converted into androgens, estrogens and other hormones. These hormones regulate fat and mineral metabolism, endocrine and reproductive function, and energy levels. How much of each hormone Dehydroepiandrosterone turns into depends on a person's biochemistry, age and sex.

Levels of Dehydroepiandrosterone peak around age 25 and then fall steadily. The body makes it naturally in the adrenal gland and liver, with minute amounts in the brain. In men, the testes produce it as well. It is metabolized to androstenedione, which is the major precursor of estrogens and androgens, and so it changes the ratio of circulating androgens and estrogens. In women, supplementation seems to raise circulating androgens significantly, but estrogens rise by less. In men, supplementation raises circulating estrogens significantly, while the increase in androgens is smaller. These androgen and estrogen effects may be responsible for the benefits of Dehydroepiandrosterone.

In the brain, it is concentrated in the limbic regions and may act as an excitatory neuroregulator, which antagonizes GABA transmission. Supplementation may also inhibit thromboxane A2 synthesis in platelets, and increase IGF-1, cGMP and nitric oxide synthesis. These changes may have beneficial effects on cardiovascular risk.