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DHEA-S Substrate Availability

Meaning

DHEA-S Substrate Availability refers to the concentration of Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) circulating in the plasma that is readily accessible for conversion into other potent sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogens, within peripheral tissues. DHEA-S is the most abundant adrenal steroid and serves as a vital prohormone in the steroidogenesis pathway. Adequate substrate availability is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, metabolic function, and neuroendocrine integrity, particularly as endogenous production declines with age.