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Dehydroepiandrosterone Metabolism

Meaning

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolism describes the complex series of enzymatic conversions that process this abundant adrenal steroid, which acts as a pivotal precursor for the synthesis of both androgens and estrogens. This vital metabolic cascade primarily takes place in the adrenal glands, gonads, and various peripheral tissues, leading to the generation of more potent sex hormones like testosterone and estradiol. The precise regulation and balance of these conversions are a critical determinant of an individual’s overall hormonal milieu and their rate of age-related decline.