DHEA, or 5-Dehydroepiandrosterone, is a steroid hormone with a chemical structure based on cholesterol. Produced within the adrenal glands, DHEA occurs naturally in the body, but may also enter the body through injections and hormone supplements. The hormone has a number of physiological effects throughout the body, interacting with a number of types of cell tissues.
Brain
A major target of DHEA is the brain. DHEA is a relatively small molecule, so it can pass through the blood-brain barrier -- a filter that keeps larger compounds out of the brain -- and signal to cells within your central nervous system. One role of DHEA is signalling to stem cells within the brain, which can develop into mature nerve cells, called neurons. This maturation process, called neurogenesis, allows for memory retention. The University of Wisconsin indicates that exposure to DHEA speeds up the growth of neural stem cells in laboratory studies, increasing the rate at which the brain can generate new nerve cells. Though the role of DHEA supplementation in human memory has not yet been investigated, DHEA already present in your body signals to the brain, and may promote learning and memory.
Testes
DHEA can also have an effect on the testes, hormonally regulated organs in the male reproductive system. The testes serve a range of functions, including a role in controlling hormone levels in a man's body. The Medical College of Wisconsin indicates that cells within the testss detect the presence of DHEA, then chemically convert it into other hormones, such as testosterone. By targeting the testes and acting as a precursor to other reproductive hormones, the levels of DHEA in the body can help to regulate a man's hormone balance. As a result, DHEA injections may lead to abnormal activity within the testes, leading to other physiological effects.
Ovaries
Another organ that acts as a target of DHEA are the ovaries, a component of the female reproductive system. The ovaries each contain several ova, or eggs, and play a role in female fertility. They also serve as a site for hormone synthesis in the female body, helping to control a woman's hormone balance. Wisconsin Medical College explains that DHEA targets the ovaries, and specialized cells within the ovaries convert the DHEA into estrogen, a female reproductive hormone. As a result, DHEA injections can increase the levels of estrogen in the body, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and unnecessary DHEA treatments may lead to hormone imbalances.
