What is Dehydroepiandrosterone?

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a precursor hormone, which means it has little biological effect on its own, but has powerful effects when converted into other hormones such as estradiol. Dehydroepiandrosterone is produced from cholesterol mainly by the outer layer of the adrenal glands, known as the adrenal cortex, although it is also made by the testes and ovaries in small amounts. It circulates in the blood, mainly attached to sulphur as dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, which prevents the hormone being broken down. In women, dehydroepiandrosterone is an important source of oestrogens in the body – it provides about 75% of oestrogens before the menopause, and 100% of oestrogens in the body after menopause. 

In addition to its role as a natural hormone, DHEA is used as an over-the-counter supplement and medication; for information on DHEA as a supplement or medication, see the prasterone article.