DHEA balance refers to the maintenance of optimal and appropriate circulating levels and metabolic ratios of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfated form, DHEA-S, relative to an individual’s age, sex, and overall hormonal milieu. DHEA, the most abundant circulating steroid, serves as a crucial precursor for the synthesis of androgens and estrogens in peripheral tissues. Achieving DHEA balance is essential for supporting energy levels, immune function, bone density, and neurological health, as its levels naturally decline with age. Clinical evaluation considers the DHEA-S level as a primary marker of adrenal androgen production.
Origin
DHEA is an acronym for Dehydroepiandrosterone. The concept of “balance” is central to endocrinology, emphasizing the homeostatic state where a hormone’s production, conversion, and clearance are in equilibrium. As DHEA is produced primarily by the adrenal cortex and declines with the adrenopause, maintaining its balance has become a focus in anti-aging and wellness medicine.
Mechanism
DHEA acts as a prohormone, meaning it is biologically active but primarily serves as a reservoir for downstream steroid synthesis in various peripheral tissues, a process termed intracrinology. The balance is maintained by the rate of its adrenal production, which is regulated by ACTH, and its conversion by sulfotransferases into DHEA-S, which extends its half-life. The subsequent conversion to potent androgens and estrogens is tissue-specific, allowing DHEA to exert pleiotropic effects on different organ systems, supporting both anabolic and neuroprotective functions.
We use cookies to personalize content and marketing, and to analyze our traffic. This helps us maintain the quality of our free resources. manage your preferences below.
Detailed Cookie Preferences
This helps support our free resources through personalized marketing efforts and promotions.
Analytics cookies help us understand how visitors interact with our website, improving user experience and website performance.
Personalization cookies enable us to customize the content and features of our site based on your interactions, offering a more tailored experience.