DHEA-S

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) is a hormone produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands. The test shows how much male sex hormone (androgen) these glands produce, so it is most often performed in women with excessive hair growth, acne or irregular cycles, and for suspected adrenal disorders.

Who is this test for

• women with excessive hair growth (hirsutism), acne, hair loss or irregular or absent periods, most often alongside testosterone and other hormones;
• women with suspected polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS);
• women whose signs of excess male hormones developed suddenly within several months or are pronounced, for example a deeper voice, balding or increased muscle mass;
• children with early pubic or underarm hair, body odour or other signs of precocious puberty, at a paediatrician’s discretion;
• people with suspected adrenal dysfunction, alongside cortisol, ACTH or androstenedione.

What DHEA-S is and what it shows

DHEA-S forms in the adrenal cortex. It has weak androgenic effects itself but can convert in tissues into stronger hormones, androstenedione and testosterone, and partly into oestrogens. In women, almost all DHEA-S comes from the adrenal glands, while testosterone is also produced by the ovaries. DHEA-S therefore helps distinguish the source of excess male hormones.

In blood, DHEA-S binds mainly to albumin, not SHBG like testosterone, so SHBG changes do not affect it. It remains in blood for a long time and varies little throughout the day, making it a good adrenal function marker.

DHEA-S rises from approximately age seven, peaks in young adulthood and gradually falls after thirty. This decline is a normal part of ageing and is not itself a disease.

Save with a panel

Test DHEA-S is also included in these panels.

Acne panel – menDHEA-S, FSH, LH, free testosteronePrice of individual tests: 93.00€67.50€Details ›Acne panel – womenDHEA-S, FSH, LH, free testosteronePrice of individual tests: 93.00€84.00€Details ›Hair loss panel – menfree testosterone, total testosterone, DHEA-s, oestrogen, FSH and 2109.00€ Original price was: 109.00€.76.30€Current price is: 76.30€.Details ›

All panels including DHEA-S (6) ›

Preparation and sample

The sample is venous blood. Fasting is not required for DHEA-S; because it varies little throughout the day, blood can be sampled at any time. When measured with other hormones, timing follows those tests: testosterone is sampled fasting in the morning, in men between 7 and 10; in women, cycle day is not crucial for testosterone unless a doctor specifies otherwise. FSH, LH and estradiol are sampled on cycle days 2–5 (most often day 2 or 3), or as instructed by a doctor.

If you take corticosteroids, hormonal contraception or DHEA preparations, tell staff at blood collection and your doctor because these change results. If you take biotin (e.g. hair and nail supplements), mention this at blood collection.

How results are interpreted

The reference interval depends strongly on age and sex as well as method and is printed on the report. Results are therefore always compared with the range for your age. A doctor interprets them alongside symptoms, examination and other hormones.

• High DHEA-S in women is most often found with polycystic ovary syndrome, usually mildly. It may also be high in inherited adrenal dysfunction (congenital adrenal hyperplasia, in which 17-hydroxyprogesterone is also measured), Cushing’s disease, children with early adrenal activation, and DHEA preparation use.
• Very high DHEA-S, particularly with rapid onset of hair growth and other signs of excess male hormones, requires prompt investigation because it may rarely indicate an adrenal tumour. A doctor then requests imaging.
• Low DHEA-S may occur with reduced adrenal function due to disease of the gland itself or the pituitary, and with long-term corticosteroid use. Low DHEA-S is expected in older people. A low result alone does not prove adrenal disease; cortisol and other tests confirm it.

How to arrange testing

You can come for blood collection without an appointment or referral at one of our branches throughout Croatia (listed on the Contactpage). Prices for all tests and panels are listed in the service price list. When PCOS is suspected, DHEA-S is most often measured within the PCOS Panel, and for excessive hair growth within the Excessive Hair Growth Panel.

Frequently asked questions

Is DHEA-S the same as DHEA?

Not the same, but closely related: DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and DHEA-S convert into each other in the body. DHEA varies more during the day, while DHEA-S is more stable and much more abundant in blood, so DHEA-S is generally measured.

What does high DHEA-S mean in women?

It most often suggests polycystic ovary syndrome and less commonly an inherited adrenal disorder. Very high values with sudden symptom onset need prompt investigation. A doctor assesses what your result means alongside testosterone, other hormones and ultrasound.

Should I take DHEA if DHEA-S is low?

Not on your own. DHEA-S naturally declines with age, and there is no strong evidence of benefits from DHEA preparations against ageing, fatigue or for stronger immunity. The international professional Endocrine Society does not recommend routine DHEA use in women. These preparations may cause acne and excessive hair growth and alter hormone results.

Do I need to fast for DHEA-S?

Not for DHEA-S alone. If testosterone, glucose or blood lipids are measured at the same time, come fasting in the morning; for other hormones follow the timing required by that test.