Dehydro-3-epiandrosterone
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Dayana Davidis, M.D. [2]
Overview
Dehydro-3-epiandrosterone or dehydroepiandrosterone or DHEA is the main secretory product of the suprarenal cortex. The physiologic significance of DHEA is not yet proven and supplementation is not yet approved by FDA.
Effects And Uses
DHEA is a hormone of the androgen family and it is secreted by the adrenal gland. A number of ongoing studies are conducted to link low levels of DHEA to premature ageing, low immunity, low and weak muscle mass, joint pain and arthritis pain, low energy, low stamina and even to fertility problems in women, impaired thinking in elderly and progression of Alzheimer's.
Differential Diagnosis
DHEA is converted to testosterone in women and to esterogen in men.
Testing for adrenal imbalance would indicate a reduced DHEA.
Decreased
Increased
- Adrenal cortex tumors
- Adrenogenital Syndrome
- Androgen-producing tumor
- Hirsutism
- Hyperprolactinemia
- Ovarian cancer
- Polycystic ovaries [1] [2]
References
Acknowledgements
The content on this page was first contributed by Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [3]
List of contributors: