Zona reticularis. This innermost layer produces dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a precursor to androgens—estrogen and testosterone—in men and women. In women, 90 percent of our testosterone is manufactured from DHEA in this part of the adrenals. This hormone is crucial in both men and women for maintaining and building fat-frying muscle mass, boosting your libido, supporting your energy, protecting your skeleton, and safeguarding your mental health and cognitive function as you age.
