The adrenal glands play a crucial role in the production of hormones such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and pregnenolone, both of which are important precursors in the synthesis of other hormones.
DHEA
**Production and Function**: DHEA is produced primarily in the adrenal glands, as well as in the gonads and brain. It helps create to both androgens and estrogens, the sex hormones, and has various biological effects, including acting as a neurosteroid in the central nervous system[6][7][9].
**Health Impact**: DHEA levels peak in early adulthood and decline with age. Some people take DHEA supplements hoping for anti-aging, improved physical performance, and treatment of conditions like depression and adrenal insufficiency. However, evidence supporting these benefits is mixed, and there are potential risks, such as increased cancer risk and hormonal imbalances[7][10]. Due to the fact that DHEA is a precurser to other hormones the body can modulate hormone production making potetial risks are rare.
**Supplementation**: DHEA supplements are available over-the-counter in various forms, but their use should be approached with guidance of a trained health care professional.[7][10].
Pregnenolone neurosteroid and prohormone molecule, chemical structure. Skeletal formula.
Pregnenolone
**Role**: Pregnenolone is another steroid hormone produced in the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to DHEA and other steroid hormones, including progesterone, glucocorticoids, and mineralocorticoids.
**Function in Hormone Synthesis**: Pregnenolone is synthesized from cholesterol and acts as a key intermediary in the production of various hormones within the adrenal cortex. It is involved in the biosynthesis pathway leading to the production of DHEA and other hormones[6].
Both DHEA and pregnenolone are integral to the body’s hormone regulation processes, with the adrenal glands playing a central role in their production. While supplements for these hormones are available, their use should be carefully considered, especially given the complex interactions and potential side effects associated with hormone supplementation.
Citations:
[1] https://www.walmart.com/ip/Pregnenolone-DHEA-25-mg-60-Vegetable-Caps-Emerald-Laboratories/151310939?selectedSellerId=5442&wmlspartner=wlpa [2] https://www.amazon.com/DHEA-000-Drops-Supplement-Micronized/dp/B00G4GK6LW?psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER [3] https://cleannutra.com/products/dhea-200mg-supplement-pregnenolone-100mg-for-men-women-with-dim-ashwagandha-3000mg-boron-6mg-complex-calcium-magnesium-zinc-50mg-vitamin-d3-5000-iu-hormone-support-capsules-pills-made-in-usa-60-ct?currency=USD&variant=43395630235801 [4] https://pinestreetclinic.com/products/integrative-therpautics-dhea-25?currency=USD&stkn=a0af17e4d070&variant=39831870472286 [5] https://nutricost.com/products/nutricost-dhea?currency=USD&variant=32466972442698 [6] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dehydroepiandrosterone [7] https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-dhea/art-20364199 [8] https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contentid=dhea&contenttypeid=167 [9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279006/ [10] https://www.webmd.com/diet/dhea-supplements