Intraadrenal mechanisms of DHEA regulation: A hypothesis for adrenopause

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and its sulfate metabolite DHEAS are the major androgens secreted by the human adrenal gland. The specific control of these hormones remains unclear. While ACTH is a potent stimulator of DHEA secretion, other factors both systemic and local have been involved in adrenal androgen control. Here we review the extra and intra-adrenal regulation of DHEA and propose a hypothetical model for adrenal senescence.