Description
DHEA-S is the sulfated form of DHEA and is the major androgen produced by the adrenal glands. This test is used in the differential diagnosis of hirsute or virilized female patients and for the diagnosis of isolated premature adrenarche and adrenal tumors. About 10% of hirsute women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) have elevated DHEA-S but normal levels of other androgens.
DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) is formed from DHEA when a sulfo group is added to it. Quite similar,, DHEA-S and DHEA have a few differences.
DHEA-S is not have any major effects on inert body functions while DHEA has less effects in the body. DHEA-S binds to carrier proteins like albumin in the blood much more than DHEA. DHEA-S lasts longer in the body when compared to DHEA, consequently it is easier to measure with blood testing.
If the DHEA-S in men is high then it may be because of tumor, adrenal cancer or excess growth of tissue which produce this hormone. Low DHEA level means the adrenal glands are not producing enough hormones. This can be because of damage to the adrenal gland or an infected pituitary gland.This test can measure the amount of hormone in the blood.
The DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood.
Reference Range(s)
Age Male
(mcg/dL) Female
(mcg/dL)
1 Month =316 15-261
1-6 Months =58 =74
7-11 Months
=26 =26
1-3 Years =15 =22
4-6 Years =27 =34
7-9 Years =91 =92
10-13 Years =138 =148
14-17 Years 38-340 37-307
18-21 Years 24-537 51-321
22-30 Years 85-690 18-391
31-40 Years 106-464 23-266
41-50 Years 70-495 19-231
51-60 Years 38-313 8-188
61-70 Years 24-244 12-133
=71 Years 5-253 7-177
