What are the properties of Dehydroepiandrosterone in supplements?

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone is an androstanoid that is androst-5-ene substituted by a beta-hydroxy group at position 3 and an oxo group at position 17. It is a naturally occurring steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It has a role as an androgen, a human metabolite and a mouse metabolite. It is a 17-oxo steroid, an androstanoid and a 3beta-hydroxy-Delta(5)-steroid. Read more about Dehydroepiandrosterone on ChEBI: 28689.

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural steroid hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. DHEA is also produced in the gonads, adipose tissue, and the brain. DHEA is structurally similar to and is a precursor of, androstenedione, testosterone, estradiol, estrone, and estrogen. It is the most abundant hormone in the human body. Most of DHEA is sulfated (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate or DHEA-S) before secretion. DHEA-S is the sulfated version of DHEA; this conversion is reversibly catalyzed by sulfotransferase (SULT2A1) primarily in the adrenals, the liver, and small intestines. In blood, most DHEA is found as DHEA-S with levels that are about 300 times higher than free DHEA. Blood measurements of DHEA-S/DHEA are useful to detect excess adrenal activity as seen in adrenal cancer or hyperplasia, including certain forms of congenital adrenal hyperplasia. Women with polycystic ovary syndrome tend to have normal or mildly elevated levels of DHEA-S. Read more about Dehydroepiandrosterone on HMDB: HMDB0000077.

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Prasterone is a synthetic form of dehydroepiandrosterone with potential chemopreventive activity. Produced endogenously, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is an intermediate in the conversion of cholesterol to androgens and estrogens. Although the mechanisms of action of exogenously administered DHEA have not been fully illuminated, they may result in both direct and indirect physiologic effects. Direct effects include GABA-a receptor complex and NMDA receptor modulation, and enhanced pancreatic beta cell insulin secretion and antiglucocorticoid activities. (NCI04) Read more about Dehydroepiandrosterone on NCI Thesaurus: C2265.

Dehydroepiandrosterone

Prasterone, also known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a major C19 steroid produced by the adrenal cortex. It is also produced in small quantities in the testis and the ovary. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) can be converted to testosterone; androstenedione; estradiol; and estrone. Most of DHEA is sulfated (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) before secretion. In the United States, DHEA or DHEAS have been advertised with claims that they may be beneficial for a wide variety of ailments. DHEA and DHEAS are readily available in the United States, where they are marketed as over-the-counter dietary supplements. In November 2016, DHEA was approved (as Intrarosa) to treat women experiencing moderate to severe pain during sexual intercourse (dyspareunia), a symptom of vulvar and vaginal atrophy (VVA), due to menopause. In Canada, a prescription is required to buy DHEA. Read more about Dehydroepiandrosterone on DrugBank: DB01708.