DHEA Physiological Functions

DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) — a key hormone involved in a wide range of body systems.

🧬 What Is DHEA?

  • DHEA is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the adrenal glands, and to a lesser extent in the gonads and brain.
  • It’s a precursor hormone, meaning it gets converted into other hormones like testosterone, estrogen, and androstenedione.

🔑 Physiological Functions of DHEA

1. 🔄 Hormone Precursor

  • DHEA is a key building block for:
    • Testosterone
    • Estrogens (estradiol, estrone)
    • Androstenedione
  • It helps maintain hormonal balance, especially during aging, when natural levels decline.

2. 🧠 Neurosteroid & Brain Function

  • Acts as a neurosteroid, synthesized in the brain.
  • Involved in:
    • Mood regulation
    • Cognitive function
    • Memory and learning
  • May have antidepressant and neuroprotective effects.

3. 🛡️ Immune System Modulation

  • Supports immune function by regulating:
    • Cytokine production
    • Inflammatory responses
  • May help in autoimmune conditions, though research is ongoing.

4. 💪 Muscle & Bone Health

  • Promotes muscle protein synthesis
  • Helps maintain bone density, especially post-menopause
  • Low levels are associated with frailty, osteoporosis, and sarcopenia (muscle loss)

5. 😌 Stress and Anti-aging Effects

  • Counteracts cortisol (the stress hormone), helping the body adapt to stress.
  • Known for its anti-aging reputation (though evidence is mixed).
  • DHEA levels decline significantly after age 30, sometimes referred to as “adrenopause”.

6. 🧬 Metabolism & Insulin Sensitivity

  • May play a role in:
    • Fat metabolism
    • Insulin sensitivity
    • Weight control
  • Low DHEA is sometimes linked to metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.

7. ❤️ Cardiovascular Health

  • Some evidence suggests DHEA supports:
    • Endothelial function
    • Vascular tone
    • May be protective against atherosclerosis, though more research is needed.

📉 Clinical Relevance

  • Low DHEA is linked to:
    • Aging
    • Depression
    • Cognitive decline
    • Autoimmune diseases
    • Adrenal insufficiency
  • Supplementation is sometimes used in:
    • Lupus
    • Adrenal fatigue
    • Menopausal symptoms

Mood disorders