An adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor to both estrogens and androgens.
Also known as: dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA-S
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is made mainly by the adrenal glands and acts as a building block the body can convert into estrogens and testosterone.
Blood levels are usually measured as DHEA-sulfate (DHEA-S). Results are interpreted in the context of androgen-related symptoms and other hormone values.