DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a natural, intermediate steroid hormone produced in our body by the adrenal glands. DHEA is called "mother of hormones", or prohormone because DHEA is further converted to generate 50 other essential hormones. For example, DHEA is converted to androgens (male hormones) or estrogens (female hormones) in the cells. DHEA is the most abundant hormone in our blood, and adequate blood DHEA level is critical for many vital hormonal and metabolic functions of our body. Our bodies produce less and less DHEA as we age, and as a result, our blood DHEA level decreases as we get older, generally falling significantly by the age of 30, and by as much as 50% by as 40.

Improved DHEA levels have been correlated with improved sense of well being, reduce body fat and improve skin tone and moisture, increase sex drive, improve immunity, enhance memory, and increase bone density. Numerous studies have proven great correlations between DHEA deficiency or insufficiency and a variety of diseases and symptoms. For example, decreased levels of DHEA predispose human and animals to higher probability of breast cancer, autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer's diseases, etc. A study reported in the prestigious journal Science in August 2002 directly correlates increased blood DHEA level to longevity.

DHEA dietary supplements have been in use for a variety of reasons: To deter aging, improve sexual function/erectile dysfunction, treat cognitive decline, enhance athletic performance, facilitate weight loss, improve strength, treat osteoporosis, improve immunomodulation for rheumatologic conditions, and treat depression.