DHEA-S

Adrenal HormonesHormonal BalanceBlood

A DHEA-S test measures dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a steroid hormone found in all sexes.

Why it matters: The body converts DHEA-S into androgens, testosterone and androstenedione, and into estrogen. These matter for sexual development, reproduction and sexual function.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
2.68 – 9.23umol/L
2.68
9.23LowNormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Nicotine
Some medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure

May decrease with:

Ageing, after a peak around puberty
Supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E
Associated Conditions
Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, which high levels can indicateCancerous or noncancerous adrenal tumours, including adrenocortical carcinoma, which high levels can indicateCongenital adrenal hyperplasia, which high levels can indicateOvarian cancer, which high levels can indicateAddison's disease, which low levels can be a sign ofPituitary adenomas, including hypopituitarism, which low levels can be a sign of
Related Markers
CortisolTestosterone (Total)
Common questions

What is DHEA-S?

A DHEA-S test measures dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a steroid hormone found in all sexes.

What might a high or low DHEA-S mean?

The body converts DHEA-S into androgens, testosterone and androstenedione, and into estrogen. These matter for sexual development, reproduction and sexual function.

What is the typical reference range for DHEA-S?

The general-population reference range shown here is 2.68 – 9.23 umol/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect DHEA-S?

It may be higher with: Nicotine, Some medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure. It may be lower with: Ageing, after a peak around puberty, Supplements such as fish oil and vitamin E.

More in Adrenal Hormones
Cortisol

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