DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone)

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone produced primarily in the adrenal cortex (and in smaller amounts by the gonads and brain). It functions as a “pro‑hormone,” serving as a biochemical precursor that can be converted into the major sex hormones—testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estradiol, and estrone—thereby influencing many physiological systems.

• IUPAC name: 3β‑Hydroxyandrost‑5‑en‑17‑one.
• Molecular formula: C₁₉H₂₈O₂; molecular weight = 286.38 g mol⁻¹.
• Structure: A 19‑carbon steroid backbone (cyclopentanoperhydrophenanthrene) with a β‑hydroxyl at C‑3 and a double bond between C‑5 and C‑6 (Δ⁵‑3β‑hydroxyandrost-5-en-17-one). It is a lipophilic, weakly androgenic molecule with a logP ≈ 3.1, allowing good oral absorption. The sulfated form (DHEA‑S) contains a phosphate‑like sulfate group at C‑3, increasing water solubility and serving as a circulating reservoir. DHEA is stable at pH 5–8, but degrades under high temperature or UV light, necessitating protective packaging (e.g., amber glass) for supplements.

• Natural source: Endogenously produced in the human adrenal cortex; plasma levels decline 40–80 % from ages 20 to 80 y.
• Commercial production: Primarily synthesized from plant‑derived sterols (e.g., diosgenin from Mexican yam Dioscorea spp.) using a series of oxidation, reduction, and de‑hydrogenation steps yielding high‑purity DHEA (≥ 98 % by HPLC).
• Extraction: Limited commercial extraction from animal adrenal glands is prohibited in many jurisdictions; most pharmaceutical‑grade DHEA is chemically synthesized.
• Quality considerations: Look for USP‑ or USP‑NF‑qualified products; verification by GC‑MS or HPLC ensures absence of contaminants (e.g., heavy metals, residual solvents). Third‑party testing (e.g., NSF, Informed‑Choice) is recommended to confirm potency and to confirm that the product is free of anabolic steroids or other adulterants.

All information reflects current peer‑reviewed literature and clinical guidelines as of 2024.