Test Summary
Analysis Type
Serum; LC-MS/MS or immunoassay
Collection method
In person at the lab; at-home where available
Why test
DHEA-S
?
- Helps assess adrenal androgen production.
- Useful for symptoms like acne, excess hair, or irregular periods.
- Helps distinguish adrenal versus ovarian androgen sources.
- Monitors known adrenal androgen conditions or therapy response.
What is
DHEA-S
?
- Helps assess adrenal androgen production.
- Useful for symptoms like acne, excess hair, or irregular periods.
- Helps distinguish adrenal versus ovarian androgen sources.
- Monitors known adrenal androgen conditions or therapy response.
What insights will i get from
DHEA-S
?
- High: may reflect increased adrenal androgens; seen with PCOS or adrenal conditions.
- Low: may relate to adrenal underactivity, pituitary issues, or normal aging.
- DHEA supplements can raise results; tell your clinician before testing.
- Use age- and sex-specific reference ranges; labs differ.
- Unexpected results? Consider repeat testing and review medicines and timing.
Sample type & collection
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No
- Best timing: Morning preferred for consistency
- Collection: Routine venipuncture
- Typical volume: 1 mL
- Analysis: Serum; LC-MS/MS or immunoassay
- Prep tips: Avoid high-dose biotin for 24 hours; list supplements
- Turnaround: 1–3 business days
DHEA-S
is best interpreted with:
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DHEA-S
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Limits & interferences with
DHEA-S
:
- DHEA or “adrenal support” supplements can markedly raise levels.
- High-dose biotin may distort some immunoassays.
- Hormonal contraceptives and glucocorticoids can lower DHEA-S.
- Pregnancy and aging change reference ranges and context.
- Intense exercise or acute illness may nudge results temporarily.
- Special situations (when to confirm or adjust): unexpected results; repeat or use LC-MS/MS.
Questions about
DHEA-S
:
- What does a DHEA-S test show? It shows how much of this adrenal hormone is in your blood.
- Do I need to fast? No. Fasting isn’t required. Morning collection can help keep results consistent.
- What can raise or lower my result? DHEA supplements, biotin, hormonal birth control, steroids, age, pregnancy, and illness.
- How often should I test? It depends on your plan. Many recheck in 3–6 months or as advised.
- How long do results take? Most labs report results in 1–3 business days.
- What should I discuss with my clinician? Your symptoms, medicines, supplements, and whether more tests are helpful.
Sources:
- MedlinePlus — DHEA Sulfate Test. (2023). https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/dhea-sulfate-test/
- Endocrine Society — Hirsutism in Premenopausal Women: Evaluation and Treatment. (2018). https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/103/4/1233/4939465
- ARUP Consult — Hyperandrogenism Evaluation. (2023). https://arupconsult.com/ati/hyperandrogenism
- Mayo Clinic Laboratories — Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Serum. (2024). https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/Overview/8415
- Endotext — Practical Approach to Hyperandrogenism in Women. (2021). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK278992/
Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always discuss results with a qualified healthcare professional.
