Alternative names for dehydroepiandrosterone
DHEA; 3-beta-Hydroxy-5-androsten-17-one; synthetic versions – prastera, prasterone, fidelin and fluasterone
What is dehydroepiandrosterone?
Dehydroepiandrosterone is a precursor hormone, which means that it acts mainly as a building block for the production of other hormones, including testosterone and oestradiol. Dehydroepiandrosterone is made from cholesterol mainly by the outer layer of the adrenal glands, known as the adrenal cortex. It is also made by the testes, ovaries and brain in small amounts.
It circulates in the blood, mainly attached to sulphur as dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. This prevents the hormone being broken down. In women, dehydroepiandrosterone is an important source of oestrogen production, particularly after menopause when the ovaries no longer produce oestrogen.
Dehydroepiandrosterone is also produced in small amounts by the brain, and although its precise role is not clear, it may be important for human brain development and cognition. Dehydroepiandrosterone production increases from around nine or ten years of age, peaks during the 20s and gradually decreases into old age.
How is dehydroepiandrosterone controlled?
Dehydroepiandrosterone production is controlled by the brain in a negative feedback loop. This means that when dehydroepiandrosterone levels in the body fall, the system is 'switched on' and, as levels rise, it 'switches off' again.
The system is 'switched on' by corticotrophin-releasing hormone (or CRH for short) being produced by the hypothalamus. This travels to the anterior pituitary gland and causes it to release adrenocorticotropic hormone (also known as ACTH) into the bloodstream. ACTH cause the adrenal glands to produce dehydroepiandrosterone. When dehydroepiandrosterone levels rise, the body shuts off production by stopping CRH and ACTH release.
What happens if I have too much dehydroepiandrosterone?
Women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) and hirsutism, and children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia have higher levels of dehydroepiandrosterone/dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. In addition, levels may be raised in individuals with cancer of the adrenal glands (called adrenal carcinoma).
High levels of dehydroepiandrosterone have also been linked with a lower risk of depression and cardiovascular disease in some studies. Some academics have suggested dehydroepiandrosterone supplements might overcome age-related decline (a so-called 'elixir of youth') but this is not supported by current evidence.
Some athletes and bodybuilders also take dehydroepiandrosterone (an anabolic steroid) to increase muscle mass and strength. Serious side-effects from taking manufactured dehydroepiandrosterone have been reported and it is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. However, exercise has been shown to naturally increase dehydroepiandrosterone levels in the body and may lead to longer life in men.
Dehydroepiandrosterone supplementation has also been investigated in reproductive medicine to treat some forms of female infertility, although the evidence remains mixed.
What happens if I have too little dehydroepiandrosterone?
Low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone have been linked with shorter lifespan in men but not women. However, the reason for this is not fully understood. Lower dehydroepiandrosterone levels have also been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus, although further research is needed to confirm this.
In women, low levels of dehydroepiandrosterone have been associated with low libido, reduced bone strength and osteoporosis. However, supplementation with commercially available dehydroepiandrosterone is not recommended as there is concern about numerous possible side-effects.