ABSTRACT
In postmenopausal women, all estrogens and nearly all androgens are made locally in
peripheral target tissues from the inactive adrenal steroid precursor dehydroepiandrosterone
(DHEA). In adult men, approximated 50% of androgens are made locally. This new section
of endocrinology, which describes the local formation of sex steroids, has been named
intracrinology. In fact, all the enzymes required to make androgens and estrogens
are expressed in a cell-specific fashion, thus permitting local control of steroid
formation and action. The local inhibition of sex steroid formation or action has
shown important benefits in the treatment of hormone-sensitive cancers, including
significant prolongation of survival and even curing localized disease. On the other
hand, exogenous DHEA provides important advantages in postmenopausal women because
it compensates for the declining secretion of DHEA by the adrenals with age. The benefits
of DHEA include increased bone mineral density, muscle mass, well-being, and libido,
as well as beneficial effects against skin atrophy, type 2 diabetes, and obesity.
KEYWORDS
Intracrinology - androgens - estrogens - peripheral target tissues
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Fernand LabrieM.D. Ph.D.
Oncology and Molecular Endocrinology Research Center, Laval University Hospital Research
Center (CRCHUL)
2705 Laurier Boulevard, Quebec City
Canada, G1V 4G2
Email: fernand.labrie@crchul.ulaval.ca
