Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA, CAS 53-43-0) is an endogenous C₁₉ steroid hormone synthesized primarily in the adrenal zona reticularis from 17α-hydroxypregnenolone via the CYP17A1 17,20-lyase reaction under ACTH regulation. DHEA is the most abundant circulating steroid in the human body because it exists predominantly as its sulfated storage form, DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate), which circulates at micromolar concentrations (1-10 μM) — 10-20× higher than cortisol, testosterone, or estradiol. DHEA-S serves as a stable circulating reservoir: it is desulfated to active DHEA by steroid sulfatase (STS) in peripheral target tissues, where it is then converted to androgens and estrogens via the intracrine mechanism. This sulfation/desulfation cycle allows DHEA to function as a universal prohormone that each tissue independently converts to the specific androgens and estrogens it requires, without altering systemic hormone levels. DHEA/S also functions as a neurosteroid, directly modulating GABA-A, NMDA, and sigma-1 receptors in the CNS. UPOR Biotech supplies pharmaceutical-grade DHEA (≥99% HPLC) meeting USP and EP monograph standards with full documentation.

Adrenopause is the age-related, selective decline in adrenal androgen production — specifically DHEA and DHEA-S — that occurs independently of cortisol and aldosterone secretion. DHEA levels peak at approximately age 20-30 years (serum DHEA-S ~300-500 μg/dL) and decline progressively by approximately 80% by age 70 (serum DHEA-S ~50-100 μg/dL). The mechanism involves a specific reduction in CYP17A1 17,20-lyase activity within the adrenal zona reticularis, while 17α-hydroxylase activity (required for cortisol synthesis) remains intact. This functional uncoupling is driven by: (1) progressive atrophy of the zona reticularis with aging, (2) decreased expression of cytochrome b5 (an allosteric enhancer of 17,20-lyase activity), and (3) altered redox regulation of P450 oxidoreductase electron transfer to CYP17A1. The clinical consequence is a gradual decline in peripheral androgen and estrogen precursor availability, which has been associated with age-related changes in body composition (reduced lean mass, increased visceral adiposity), bone mineral density loss, cognitive decline, diminished immune function, and reduced libido. DHEA supplementation (25-100 mg/day oral) restores circulating DHEA/DHEA-S to youthful physiological levels and is widely used in anti-aging and wellness nutraceutical protocols. The adrenopause phenomenon is unique to humans and some higher primates — laboratory rodents do not produce adrenal DHEA, making human clinical data essential.

DHEA (prasterone) has one FDA-approved pharmaceutical indication and several major nutraceutical applications. Pharmaceutical: In 2016, the FDA approved prasterone (Intrarosa) as a 6.5 mg daily vaginal insert for the treatment of moderate-to-severe dyspareunia associated with postmenopausal vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA). Intrarosa works via the intracrine mechanism — vaginally administered DHEA is converted intracellularly to androgens and estrogens within the vaginal mucosa, restoring vaginal cytology, reducing parabasal cells, increasing superficial cells, and normalizing vaginal pH without elevating systemic estradiol levels. Nutraceutical applications (25-100 mg/day oral): (1) Anti-aging and wellness supplementation — the most established use, targeting adrenopause-related decline. (2) Cognitive health and mood support — DHEA/S as a neurosteroid modulating NMDA, GABA-A, and sigma-1 receptors. (3) Libido and sexual function — DHEA-derived androgens support sexual desire in both men and women. (4) Bone health — DHEA-derived estrogens support bone mineral density in postmenopausal women. (5) Immune modulation — studies suggest benefits for autoimmune conditions including SLE. (6) Body composition — modest improvements in lean mass and reductions in visceral adiposity. UPOR Biotech supplies both pharmaceutical-grade DHEA API and nutraceutical-grade DHEA powder.

DHEA is the pivotal Δ⁵ precursor in the steroidogenic pathway. The conversion proceeds through two pathways: (1) The Δ⁵ pathway (predominant in peripheral tissues): DHEA is first converted to androstenedione by 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (3β-HSD2), which oxidizes the 3β-hydroxyl to a 3-keto group and isomerizes Δ⁵ to Δ⁴. Androstenedione then serves as the branch point — converted to testosterone by 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 3 (17β-HSD3) in the reductive direction, or aromatized to estrone by CYP19 aromatase. Testosterone can be further reduced to the more potent androgen 5α-dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5α-reductase in androgen-target tissues (prostate, skin, hair follicles), or aromatized to estradiol by CYP19 aromatase. (2) The Δ⁵ alternative pathway: DHEA can be directly converted to androst-5-ene-3β,17β-diol (androstenediol) by 17β-HSD, then converted to testosterone by 3β-HSD. The critical feature of DHEA metabolism is its intracrine nature — the conversion to active androgens and estrogens occurs within peripheral target tissues (brain, bone, skin, adipose, breast, prostate, vaginal mucosa), not in the systemic circulation. Each tissue independently regulates its local sex steroid milieu by controlling expression of 3β-HSD2, 17β-HSD3, 5α-reductase, and CYP19 aromatase, producing exactly the androgens and estrogens needed without elevating systemic hormone levels. This tissue-specific intracrinology is the basis for DHEA’s favorable safety profile compared to direct hormone replacement therapies.

Every DHEA shipment from UPOR Biotech includes a complete documentation package: Certificate of Analysis (COA) with HPLC purity (≥99.0%), full impurity profile (total impurities ≤1.0%, any single impurity ≤0.5%), identification by IR and HPLC retention time against USP reference standard, melting point (148-152°C), specific optical rotation ([α]D²⁰ +10.0° to +14.0°), loss on drying (≤0.5%), residue on ignition (≤0.1%), residual solvents per USP <467>/EP 5.4/ICH Q3C, heavy metals panel (total ≤10 ppm with Pb ≤2 ppm, As ≤1 ppm, Hg ≤0.1 ppm, Cd ≤1 ppm), microbial limits per USP <61>/<62> (TAMC ≤100 CFU/g, TYMC ≤10 CFU/g, pathogens absent), and bacterial endotoxins (≤0.5 EU/mg per USP <85>). Additional documentation: Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS), signed and dated HPLC Chromatogram, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Allergen Statement, Stability Data (25°C/60%RH long-term and 40°C/75%RH accelerated), and Complete Lot Traceability from synthesis batch to finished product. DMF (Drug Master File) support is available for pharmaceutical customers pursuing ANDA/NDA filings. Our DHEA is manufactured under c-GMP conditions with ISO 9001 quality management. Free evaluation samples are available for qualified B2B buyers. Standard MOQ: 1 kg. Packaging: 1 kg, 5 kg, and 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner; custom packaging available. All documents provided in English.