Skip to main content

Hormone Precursor

Meaning

A hormone precursor is a substance, typically a simple molecule or a less active hormone, that serves as the immediate or intermediate chemical compound from which a more potent or active hormone is synthesized. These molecules are essential building blocks within the steroidogenic and endocrine pathways, providing the necessary substrate for the body’s hormonal production machinery. Cholesterol, for example, is the universal precursor for all steroid hormones, while dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a key precursor for both androgens and estrogens. Understanding precursor availability is critical in evaluating and managing endocrine function.