DHEA‑Sulfate is an adrenal hormone that helps assess androgen balance and adrenal health.
DHEA-sulfate, or DHEA-S, is a hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands. It serves as a building block that the body can convert into other sex hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen. Levels are highest in young adulthood and fall steadily with age.
DHEA-S is a stable marker of adrenal androgen production because its level stays fairly steady through the day. It is used when looking into excess male-pattern hair growth or acne in women, early puberty, and possible adrenal problems.
High DHEA-S can come from the adrenal glands and contributes to androgen excess in conditions like PCOS or, rarely, an adrenal tumour. Low DHEA-S can reflect adrenal insufficiency or simply older age.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Strongly age and sex dependent, falling with age. Guidance only and assay dependent. Ranges vary by lab.
| Group | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Women, adult | ~1.0 to 9.0 umol/L |
| Men, adult | ~2.0 to 12.0 umol/L |
Source: LOINC 2191-5. Use age specific ranges, since levels decline with age. Confirm against your own laboratory's range.
Your result shows how much adrenal androgen your body is making. It helps pinpoint whether signs of androgen excess come from the adrenal glands rather than the ovaries, and it adds context for hormonal balance.
Levels fall naturally with age, so age matched ranges are essential. DHEA supplements raise levels. High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with certain assays. A clearly high result may prompt imaging to rule out an adrenal cause.
Best read together with total testosterone, SHBG, and, where relevant, 17-hydroxyprogesterone and cortisol.
What do my DHEA‑S results mean? Higher values suggest extra adrenal androgen activity; lower values may reflect reduced adrenal output or certain medicines. Age and sex affect ranges.
Do I need to fast for this test? No. Fasting is not required for DHEA‑S testing.
What can affect my result? DHEA supplements, steroid medicines, birth control pills, high‑dose biotin, illness, and intense exercise may change or skew results.
How often should I test DHEA‑S? Most people test only when symptoms or treatment plans call for it. Your clinician may repeat it to confirm changes.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Share symptoms, cycle details, and all medicines or supplements. Ask whether related hormone tests are recommended.
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