Prasterone
Prasterone[edit | edit source]
Prasterone, also known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), is an endogenous steroid hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands, gonads, and brain. It serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
Biochemistry[edit | edit source]
Prasterone is synthesized from cholesterol through the action of the enzyme cholesterol side-chain cleavage enzyme (CYP11A1), which converts cholesterol into pregnenolone. Pregnenolone is then converted into prasterone by the enzyme 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase.
In the body, prasterone can be converted into androstenedione, which can then be further converted into testosterone or estrone, a form of estrogen. This conversion is facilitated by the enzymes 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and aromatase.
Function[edit | edit source]
Prasterone plays a role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. It also has various effects on the immune system, metabolism, and central nervous system.
Clinical Use[edit | edit source]
Prasterone is used as a supplement to treat various conditions, including adrenal insufficiency, lupus, and depression. It is also marketed as an anti-aging supplement, although its efficacy for this purpose is not well established.
Pharmacokinetics[edit | edit source]
Prasterone is available in oral, topical, and injectable forms. When taken orally, it is rapidly absorbed and metabolized in the liver. The bioavailability of oral prasterone is low due to extensive first-pass metabolism.
Effects on Hormone Levels[edit | edit source]
Administration of prasterone can increase levels of testosterone and estrogen in the body. This effect is more pronounced in individuals with low baseline levels of these hormones.
Side Effects[edit | edit source]
Common side effects of prasterone supplementation include acne, hirsutism, and mood changes. Long-term use may increase the risk of hormone-sensitive cancers.
Research[edit | edit source]
Research on prasterone is ongoing, with studies investigating its potential benefits in cognitive function, bone density, and cardiovascular health.
Related Pages[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
