DHEA – dehydroepiandrosterone

Known as the “mother of hormones,” DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is needed by the body to produce many types of hormones including estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is secreted by the adrenal glands-located on top of the kidneys-as well as by the skin, brain, testicles, and ovaries. Although women make less DHEA than men, in both sexes DHEA production declines dramatically with age; levels are 80%lower at age 70 than at age 30. The significance of these falling DHEA levels, however, has not been determined.