An endogenous steroid hormone produced from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal glands in the adrenal cortex. After being secreted by the adrenal glands, it circulates in the bloodstream as DHEA-sulfate (DHEAS), and is converted as needed into other hormones such as testosterone. Its conversion into testosterone may account for the fact that low blood levels of DHEA have been found in some men with erectile dysfunction (while it tends to high in men who go bald!). It has also been claimed that DHEA improves immunity, reduces the risk of heart disease, protects against depression, and acts as anti-aging hormone. These claims require considerable more research before they can be substantiated with any confidence, and more needs to be known about the side-effects of DHEA supplementation. Levels are virtually non-existent in the pre-school child, increase markedly between 6 and 20 years of age and then decline. Little is known, however, about how DHEA works in the body, and its developmental functions remain unclear
See Adrenal glands, Adrenal cortex, Androgen, Cholesterol, Hormones, Steroid hormones