DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is produced by the adrenal glands. DHEA is the most abundant hormone in the bloodstream. It peaks at approximately age 25, and after that we lose approximately 2% per year. The majority of testosterone in a woman comes from the peripheral conversion of DHEA. DHEA is an anti-stress hormone; it reverses the effect of stress on the immune system. It improves mood and acts as an antidepressant. It also improves memory, energy, and stamina. Brain cells have been found to degenerate more rapidly when DHEA is low. DHEA is felt to be beneficial to the cardiovascular system. It has been shown to improve artherosclerosis and reduce platelet aggregation. It also has been shown to prevent osteoporosis.
Pregnenolone is produced by the adrenal glands and it is the first hormone sythesized from cholesterol. If there is not an adequate supply of pregnenolone, the production of other hormones becomes deficient because pregnenolone is the precursor for other hormones. Pregnenolone functions in cellular repair, especially in the brain and nervous system, thus preserving brain function. It can help to improve memory, alleviate stress, improve intelligence, improve energy, and improve mood.