ABSTRACT
Higher circulating levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are associated with superior health and vitality in older adults, and this bene‰t is largely attributed directly to either DHEA or to its peripheral conversion to steroids with speci‰c biological activities. Such speculations have led to widespread over-the-counter access and use of DHEA supplements particularly for both middleaged men and women. However, there is now information to suggest that some of the bene‰ts that have been previously associated with higher endogenous DHEA in middle-aged women are at least partially attributable to the adrenal secretion of androstenediol (Adiol), which is secreted in parallel with DHEA and is the next steroid in the delta-‰ve steroidogenic pathway. Adiol, which is structurally a C-19 androgen, has inherent estrogenic bioactivity because of the 3-17 diols, reaches effective circulating levels, and contributes to a potential positive endocrine effect in some women.
