Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate Test (DHEA-S) – Why am I having this test?
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate is a hormone made by glands that are located on the tops of the kidneys (adrenal glands). You may have this test if:
- You have symptoms of abnormal adrenal gland function, such as developing male characteristics if you are female (virilization).
- You are starting puberty early.
The DHEA-S blood test alone cannot diagnose any condition. You may need other tests as well.
What is being tested?
This test measures the amount of DHEA-S in your blood.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
Tell a health care provider about:
- Any allergies you have.
- All medicines you are taking, especially any DHEA supplements. This also includes vitamins, herbs, eye drops, creams, and over-the-counter medicines.
- Any surgeries you have had.
- Any medical conditions you have.
- Whether you are pregnant or may be pregnant.
- The date of your last menstrual period if you are female. You should have the test one week before or after your menstrual period.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as ranges, given as micrograms of DHEA per deciliter of blood (mcg/dL).
Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference ranges). Reference ranges may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, there is a wide range of reference values because they vary by gender and physical development stage (Tanner Stage). Your DHEA-S level usually peaks at about age 30 and then gradually decreases.
Reference ranges for women by Tanner Stage:
- Tanner Stage I: 7–209 mcg/dL.
- Tanner Stage II: 28–260 mcg/dL.
- Tanner Stage III: 39–390 mcg/dL.
- Tanner Stage IV and V: 81–488 mcg/dL.
Reference ranges for men by Tanner Stage:
- Tanner Stage I: 7–126 mcg/dL.
- Tanner Stage II: 13–241 mcg/dL.
- Tanner Stage III: 32–446 mcg/dL.
- Tanner Stage IV and V: 65–371 mcg/dL.
What do the results mean?
High DHEA-S values may be related to:
- Overactive adrenal glands.
- Tumors or cancers of the adrenal gland.
- Early puberty.
- A hormone disorder in which many abnormal cysts grow on the ovaries (polycystic ovarian syndrome, PCOS).
Low DHEA-S values may be related to:
- Underactive adrenal glands.
- Tumors of the adrenal gland.
- Underactive pituitary gland. This is a gland in your brain that sends messages to the adrenal glands.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormone made by the adrenal glands.
- High DHEA-S values can be seen with overactive adrenal glands, tumors of the adrenal glands, early puberty, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
- Low DHEA-S values can be seen with underactive adrenal glands, tumors of the adrenal glands, and an underactive pituitary gland.
- The DHEA-S blood test alone cannot diagnose any condition. You may need other tests as well.
