DHEA Sulfate
Understand DHEA-Sulfate levels for adrenal function and hormone balance. Track aging markers and hormonal health over time.
What is DHEA Sulfate?
DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormone precursor produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a reservoir for making other hormones like testosterone and estrogen, and levels naturally decline with age. DHEA-S reflects adrenal gland function and overall hormonal health.
Why is it Tested?
Doctors test DHEA-S to evaluate adrenal function, investigate symptoms of androgen excess or deficiency, assess delayed or precocious puberty, and evaluate unexplained fatigue or mood changes. It’s also used to monitor anti-aging hormone therapy.
Normal Ranges
Reference ranges vary significantly by gender and age:
- Men: 80–560 μg/dL
- Women: 35–430 μg/dL
Levels peak in the 20s and decline steadily with age, dropping about 2% per year after age 30.
Reference ranges vary by authority. Track yours across multiple standards with automatic unit conversions in LabsVault.
What do Abnormal Results Mean?
Abnormal results are not a diagnosis. Always discuss your results with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.
Low DHEA-S
Reduced levels may indicate:
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Aging-related decline
- Chronic stress or illness
- Certain medications
- Hypothalamic-pituitary disorders
High DHEA-S
Elevated levels suggest:
- Adrenal hyperplasia
- Adrenal tumors
- PCOS in women
- Early puberty in children
- DHEA supplementation
How to Track Over Time
DHEA-S levels naturally decline with age, so tracking helps distinguish normal aging from pathological adrenal dysfunction. Monitoring is useful when evaluating hormone replacement therapy and assessing adrenal recovery after illness or stress.
Track your DHEA Sulfate results over time
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