DHEA hormone. Molecular model of the structure of the human hormone DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone). Atoms are represented as spheres and are colour-coded: carbon (blue), hydrogen (gold), and oxygen (red). DHEA is a steroid that is produced in the adrenal glands of both sexes and is a precursor of all the sex hormones. It is an androgen hormone, the class of hormones associated with secondary sexual characteristics in males. DHEA is also thought to play a role in counteracting the ageing process in humans.