dehydroepiandrosterone

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dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) (dee-hy-droh-epi-an-dros-ter-ohn) n. a weak androgen produced and secreted by the adrenal glands after adrenal maturation (see adrenarche). It is largely converted to dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate and androstenedione. All three of these molecules can cause a degree of mild androgenization but can also be converted in the circulation to the more potent androgens testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.

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