DHEA-S

Overview

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA‑S) is a sulfated adrenal androgen measured in blood that reflects adrenal androgen production. It is produced mainly by the adrenal cortex and serves as a precursor for more potent androgens and estrogens in peripheral tissues. Elevated levels may indicate androgen‑secreting adrenal tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or congenital adrenal hyperplasia, while low levels can be seen in adrenal insufficiency, hypopituitarism, or with aging. It is clinically useful for evaluating hyperandrogenism, distinguishing adrenal from ovarian androgen excess, and assessing adrenal reserve in some contexts.

Clinical Use Cases

  • Evaluation of hirsutism, acne, and virilization in women and adolescents.
  • Differentiating adrenal from ovarian sources of androgen excess (e.g., PCOS vs adrenal tumor).
  • Assessment of suspected congenital adrenal hyperplasia or adrenal tumors.
  • Supporting evaluation of adrenal insufficiency or hypopituitarism in conjunction with other hormones.

Specimen Types

  • Serum.
  • Plasma.

Measurement Methods

  • Automated immunoassays (chemiluminescent or electrochemiluminescent).
  • Radioimmunoassay (RIA) in some laboratories.
  • Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‑MS/MS) for higher specificity.

Test Preparation and Influencing Factors

  • Typically no fasting required.
  • Collection in the morning is often preferred for consistency, though DHEA‑S shows relatively modest diurnal variation compared with cortisol.
  • Exogenous DHEA supplements, glucocorticoids, oral contraceptives, and other hormonal therapies can alter levels.
  • Age and sex strongly influence reference ranges; levels peak in early adulthood and decline with age.
  • Severe illness or chronic stress may reduce concentrations.

Synonyms

  • Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate.
  • DHEAS.
  • DHEA sulphate.

Further Reading

  • “Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate” – MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine;