Biochem/physiol Actions Dehydroandrosterone (DHEA) is a negative modulator of GABAA receptors. It is a steroid secreted by the adrenal gland with both estrogenic and androgenic properties. DHEAs conversion to 5-androstenediol, a potent estrogen, enhances the growth and survival of estrogen-sensitive breast tumors. Negative modulator of GABAA receptors. Steroid secreted by the adrenal gland with both estrogenic and androgenic properties. Its conversion to 5-androstenediol, a potent estrogen, enhances the growth and survival of estrogen-sensitive breast tumors. At high but physiologically valid concentrations, DHEA inhibits proliferation of chromaffin progenitor cells and induces dopaminergic differentiation.