Platform
Company
Endocrine & Reproductive
Review status
Currently under review
Pending specialist review and validation.
DHEA-S is a hormone made mostly by your adrenal glands. It is the sulfated form of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which makes it circulate at higher, more stable levels and with slower day-to-day changes than many other hormones. Because of this stability, DHEA-S is a reliable marker of adrenal androgen production.
This blood test measures how much DHEA-S is in your circulation. DHEA-S itself is a weak androgen, but it also serves as a building block for more potent androgens and estrogens in the body. Results are interpreted in the context of your age, sex, symptoms, and other hormone tests.
Clinicians use DHEA-S testing to help evaluate symptoms of excess androgens, such as unwanted hair growth, acne, scalp hair thinning, and irregular periods. It helps distinguish whether androgen production is more likely coming from the adrenal glands rather than the ovaries or testes. It is also useful in assessing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, premature adrenarche, and, less commonly, adrenal tumors.
Low DHEA-S can be a clue to reduced adrenal function. Your healthcare provider may also use this test to monitor treatment that targets adrenal androgen production. DHEA-S is often ordered together with other hormones, such as total testosterone or 17-hydroxyprogesterone, to provide a complete picture.
Your DHEA-S level is interpreted against age- and sex-specific reference intervals. Levels typically rise around puberty, peak in early adulthood, and gradually decline with aging. Pregnancy, certain medicines, and supplements can shift results, so your provider will review your history to put the number in context.
A level above the expected range can point toward an adrenal source of androgen excess, while a lower than expected value can suggest decreased adrenal output. If your result does not match your symptoms, your clinician may repeat testing, check related hormones, review medications and supplements, and, when indicated, arrange additional evaluations. Most findings have multiple possible explanations, and your care team will guide next steps based on your overall health and goals.
Reference intervals vary by laboratory, analyzer, methodology, population, and units. The ranges shown here are for education only. Always interpret your results against the reference interval printed on your own lab report.
DHEA-S changes across the lifespan, rising around puberty, peaking in early adulthood, and declining with age. Interpretation always considers your age and developmental stage.
DHEA-S varies less by time of day than many hormones, but using a consistent collection time and the same laboratory method helps with comparison over time.
Oral contraceptives, estrogen therapy, glucocorticoids, antiandrogens, and some diabetes or seizure medicines can lower or raise DHEA-S. Tell your provider about all prescriptions and over-the-counter products.
DHEA-containing supplements and some herbal products can increase DHEA-S and confound interpretation. Bring labels or a list of doses to your appointment.
Physiologic changes in pregnancy often lower DHEA-S, and postpartum shifts can occur. Your provider will use pregnancy-specific interpretation when applicable.
Reduced kidney clearance may increase DHEA-S, while significant liver disease can alter hormone metabolism or binding. Recent lab tests and history help with context.
High-dose biotin and some antibodies can interfere with certain immunoassays. Your lab or clinician may advise pausing high-dose biotin before the blood draw.
Severe illness, major stress, or inflammation can temporarily alter adrenal hormone production. When possible, testing is done when you are clinically stable.
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