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Hormones & reproductive
DHEA-S test
DHEA sulfate. Adrenal androgen precursor; can reflect adrenal androgen production and can decline with age.
At a glance
In about 5 days
Most results are ready in about 5 days. Some specialty markers can take up to 21 days.
Best at a set time of day or cycle day
Contact us before your draw if you’re not sure.
Walk in at Quest
Your lab order arrives by email. Most Quest locations take walk-ins, so bring it with a photo ID.
What it measures
DHEA sulfate is a hormone made almost entirely by your adrenal glands, small glands on top of your kidneys. Your body can turn it into testosterone and estrogen, and levels can slowly fall as you age.
Why it matters for women
Because DHEA sulfate comes from the adrenal glands, it can help show whether extra androgens, hormones like testosterone, are coming from there or from the ovaries. It can be mildly high in PCOS, a common hormone condition. Signs of too many androgens can include acne, extra facial or body hair and irregular periods.
You might check it if…
- you notice extra hair on your face, chest or belly
- acne has lasted past your teen years
- your periods are irregular or a doctor mentioned PCOS
- a doctor is looking into your adrenal glands
What your result may mean
High DHEA-S: what it may mean
High DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) in women may point to extra androgens from the adrenal glands (adrenal androgen excess), PCOS, or, rarely, an adrenal tumor. In PCOS it can be mildly high, and congenital adrenal hyperplasia can raise it too. Too many androgens can bring acne, extra facial or body hair, thinning scalp hair or irregular periods. DHEA supplements can push the number up, and levels can run higher in younger adults than in older ones. Because it can come almost entirely from the adrenals, it may help a clinician tell whether androgens are coming from there or the ovaries.
Low DHEA-S: what it may mean
Low DHEA sulfate may be normal with aging, because levels can slowly fall as you get older. An extreme drop may suggest adrenal insufficiency, when the adrenal glands aren’t making enough hormone, or a pituitary problem. Steroid medicines can also lower it. With adrenal insufficiency, you may notice tiredness, dizziness when standing or weight loss. A low result in an older adult with no symptoms may not be a concern, and a clinician may check cortisol if the adrenal glands are in question.
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These notes provide context and do not diagnose a condition. Not yet available in NY, NJ, RI, HI, ND, SD or WV.