DHEA and DHEA-S
Q1: What are DHEA and DHEA-S?
Answer:
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor for the synthesis of other hormones, including estrogen and testosterone. On the other hand, DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is a sulfated form of DHEA and is the most abundant circulating form of DHEA in the bloodstream.
Q2: How are they produced?
Answer:
Both DHEA and DHEA-S are primarily produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is synthesized directly in the adrenal glands, while DHEA-S is formed by adding a sulfate group to DHEA through a process called sulfation.
Q3: What is their circulating form?
Answer:
DHEA circulates in the bloodstream as a free form, unbound to proteins. In contrast, DHEA-S is the major circulating form of DHEA and is present in significantly higher concentrations. The sulfation process makes DHEA-S more stable and water-soluble.
Q4: What are their diagnostic uses?
Answer:
DHEA is often measured as free DHEA in blood or saliva to assess adrenal function and hormonal imbalances. It may be used as a marker for certain conditions. DHEA-S on the other hand, is primarily measured in blood tests to evaluate adrenal gland function and overall DHEA levels in the body.
Q5: Are there clinical applications?
Answer:
DHEA supplementation has been studied for various conditions such as hormone imbalances and aging-related symptoms. It may affect mood, energy, muscle strength, and overall well-being. However, the clinical applications of DHEA-S are limited compared to DHEA. DHEA-S is mainly used as an indicator of adrenal function, and DHEA-S supplementation is not commonly recommended.
Difference Between DHEA and DHEA-S
Difference Between DHEA and DHEA-S: DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) are both hormones that are produced by the adrenal glands. They are precursors to hormones such as estrogen and testosterone and play various roles in the body. However, there are some key differences between DHEA and DHEA-S.
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