What does DHEA stand for?

DHEA stands for Dehydroepiandrosterone, which is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones, playing a critical role in the production of androgens and estrogens in the body. DHEA is involved in various physiological processes, including immune function, metabolism, and the development of secondary sexual characteristics.

Understanding DHEA's significance is essential in the field of nutrition and supplementation, especially regarding its potential effects on aging, mood, and overall health. The reference to stereochemical structures in other choices shows a slight misunderstanding of DHEA's chemical nomenclature and role in the body. For example, while "dihydroxy" denotes a compound with two hydroxyl groups, it does not correlate with DHEA's structure or function. Thus, recognizing that DHEA specifically refers to Dehydroepiandrosterone clarifies the hormone's identity and importance in human physiology.