Which substance is a prohormone that is converted to testosterone or estrone and can cause gynecomastia and acne?

Which substance is a prohormone that is converted to testosterone or estrone and can cause gynecomastia and acne?

• A. DHEA
• B. Creatine
• C. Ephedra
• D. Growth hormone

Answer: (A)

Prohormones are substances that serve as precursors and can be converted into active sex steroids in the body. DHEA fits this role because it can be transformed into testosterone in some tissues or into estrone, an estrogen, in others. When DHEA increases estrogenic activity (via estrone) or boosts androgens that subsequently convert or interact with estrogen pathways, breast tissue can respond with gynecomastia, and skin can respond with acne due to increased androgen-driven sebum production. The other substances do not act as hormonal precursors to testosterone or estrone: creatine supports energy production in muscles without altering hormone synthesis; ephedra acts mainly through adrenergic stimulation rather than hormone conversion; growth hormone operates through the GH/IGF-1 axis and does not convert to sex steroids to drive gynecomastia or acne.

Prohormones are substances that serve as precursors and can be converted into active sex steroids in the body. DHEA fits this role because it can be transformed into testosterone in some tissues or into estrone, an estrogen, in others. When DHEA increases estrogenic activity (via estrone) or boosts androgens that subsequently convert or interact with estrogen pathways, breast tissue can respond with gynecomastia, and skin can respond with acne due to increased androgen-driven sebum production. The other substances do not act as hormonal precursors to testosterone or estrone: creatine supports energy production in muscles without altering hormone synthesis; ephedra acts mainly through adrenergic stimulation rather than hormone conversion; growth hormone operates through the GH/IGF-1 axis and does not convert to sex steroids to drive gynecomastia or acne.