Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a natural hormone produced from cholesterol by the adrenal glands. It is chemically similar to testosterone and estrogen, and is easily converted into those hormones. DHEA production peaks in early adulthood, and declines with age. Thus, many health concerns which correlate with age may also correlate with low levels of DHEA production. DHEA levels are often found to be low in instances of adrenal insufficiency.