Key Benefits

• See how much androgen your adrenal glands produce via the DHEA-S marker.
• Spot adrenal-driven androgen excess that can cause acne, hair growth, or cycle changes.
• Distinguish adrenal sources from ovarian causes like PCOS when androgens run high.
• Flag very high results that may suggest an adrenal tumor needing urgent workup.
• Spot low levels suggesting adrenal underactivity or pituitary problems needing evaluation.
• Protect fertility by identifying androgen excess that can disrupt ovulation.
• Track treatment response in PCOS or adrenal disorders over time.
• Best interpreted with total testosterone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, and your symptoms.

What is DHEA Sulfate (DHEA-S)?

DHEA sulfate is the storage form of the hormone DHEA, a weak adrenal androgen. It is made mainly in the adrenal glands (zona reticularis) with minor contributions from ovaries or testes. The body adds a sulfate group to DHEA (sulfation by SULT2A1), creating DHEA-S, which is more water‑soluble and longer‑lasting in the bloodstream. Because of this, DHEA-S circulates in high amounts and serves as a stable reservoir (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate).

Its main significance is as a ready pool that tissues can draw on to make active sex hormones. Cells with the right enzyme (steroid sulfatase, STS) can convert DHEA-S back to DHEA and then into androgens and estrogens (like testosterone and estradiol) as needed. In this way, DHEA-S supports local hormone production across the body and reflects the adrenal glands’ overall output of androgen precursors. It is relatively steady over the day compared with many other adrenal hormones, making it a useful snapshot of adrenal androgen supply.

Why is DHEA Sulfate (DHEA-S) important?

DHEA sulfate (DHEA‑S) is the adrenal gland’s steady, circulating store of DHEA, a precursor that can be converted into androgens and estrogens. Because it is stable throughout the day, it provides a clear readout of adrenal androgen output that influences skin and hair, muscle and bone, reproductive function, mood, and metabolic tone.

Reference ranges are broad and depend on age and sex—highest in late adolescence/early adulthood and gradually declining thereafter. For most adults, values near the middle of the age‑ and sex‑specific range align with balanced physiology; persistent extremes suggest dysregulation.

When values are lower than expected for age, they reflect reduced adrenal androgen production from aging, adrenal or pituitary disorders, chronic illness, or glucocorticoid exposure. People may notice low energy, reduced libido, low mood, drier skin, and less underarm/pubic hair. Women can be more symptomatic because adrenal androgens meaningfully support their estrogen and testosterone pools, and bone and muscle may be modestly affected. In children, unusually low levels can accompany delayed adrenarche (late onset of body odor and pubic hair). In pregnancy, interpretation differs because the placenta and fetus handle steroid precursors.

When values are higher than expected, the signal is usually adrenal‑driven androgen excess—seen in a subset of polycystic ovary syndrome, nonclassic congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or, when markedly elevated, adrenal tumors. Effects include acne, oily skin, hirsutism, scalp hair thinning, and menstrual irregularity or anovulation in women; men may have acne or hair changes. In children, excess can cause premature adrenarche and accelerated growth with advanced bone age.

Big picture: DHEA‑S links the adrenal cortex to sex‑steroid biology, metabolism, bone, and brain. Interpreted with age/sex context and alongside cortisol, testosterone/estradiol, LH/FSH, and 17‑hydroxyprogesterone, it helps clarify causes of fatigue, androgen symptoms, and long‑term risks like frailty, osteoporosis, reproductive, and cardiometabolic health issues.

What Insights Will I Get?

DHEA Sulfate (DHEA‑S) is the sulfated storage form of DHEA made mainly by the adrenal cortex. It is a stable circulating reservoir that tissues convert into androgens and estrogens, so it indexes adrenal androgen output and pituitary‑adrenal (HPA) tone. Because these steroids shape energy use, bone and muscle, skin and hair, reproductive function, mood, and immune balance, DHEA‑S offers a systems view of anabolic capacity and stress biology.

Low values usually reflect reduced adrenal production or suppression (low ACTH drive), age‑related decline, chronic illness, or medications such as glucocorticoids or oral estrogens. In women, low DHEA‑S means less peripheral androgen availability, which can coincide with low libido, lower vitality, or bone/skin changes; in men, testicular testosterone often masks effects. Pregnancy typically lowers maternal DHEA‑S. In children, very low values suggest hypoadrenalism.

Being in range suggests age‑ and sex‑appropriate adrenal androgen reserve, supporting balanced steroidogenesis and stable HPA axis function. With age‑adjusted ranges, “optimal” is generally midrange; higher is not consistently better.

High values usually reflect increased adrenal androgen secretion, as in PCOS, nonclassic CAH, or an adrenal tumor; supplements raise it too. Women: acne, hirsutism, irregular cycles. Children: early pubic hair. Men: oily skin or hair loss. Markedly high levels indicate an adrenal source.

Notes: Age‑ and sex‑dependent; interpret with appropriate ranges. Little diurnal variation. Acute illness lowers levels. Assays differ across labs. Oral estrogens/contraceptives, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, and DHEA supplements alter results. Pregnancy lowers maternal values.