Insight into your DHEA-Slevel.
DHEA-S is an adrenal hormone that serves as a precursor for the sex hormones. The level declines gradually with age and gives insight into the androgen production of the adrenal gland.
Also known as: DHEA sulphate, DHEAS
Interpreted by BIG-registered doctors
How Bloodworks works
Order online
Choose your package and preferred location
Receive your lab form
Within 24 hours by email, with appointment planner
Schedule your blood draw
Or choose a walk-in location
Blood draw
Takes just a few minutes
Receive your report
Securely, within a few working days from our physicians
Background
What is DHEA-S?
DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate) is a hormone produced almost entirely by the adrenal cortex. It is barely active itself, but serves as a precursor: from DHEA-S the body can form sex hormones such as testosterone and oestrogens. Because the adrenal gland is the main source, DHEA-S mainly gives insight into the androgen production of the adrenal gland, and not into that of the ovaries or the testes.
DHEA-S has a long half-life and remains fairly stable throughout the day, unlike cortisol, which follows a strong diurnal rhythm. A single measurement at any moment is therefore perfectly usable. The level is highest during young adulthood and then declines gradually with age. That decline is a normal part of ageing. The laboratory applies reference values that suit your age and sex, and our doctor places your result in that context.
In brief
Adrenal hormone
Produced almost entirely by the adrenal cortex
Precursor
Building block for the sex hormones
Stable across the day
Time of the blood draw is less critical
Declines with age
Highest during young adulthood
Common reasons to test
When can insight into your DHEA-S be valuable?
Below are some situations in which measuring DHEA-S can provide insight.
Insight into your adrenal androgens
A test gives insight into the androgen production of the adrenal gland.
With questions about excess hair growth or acne
In women with complaints of excess hair growth or persistent acne, DHEA-S is sometimes measured to see whether the adrenal gland plays a role.
With questions about adrenal function
DHEA-S is often reviewed together with cortisol when there are questions about the adrenal gland.
As part of a broader hormone check
DHEA-S fits within an overview alongside testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG.
With questions about energy and recovery
DHEA-S is sometimes included in a broader investigation of persistent fatigue, alongside thyroid, ferritin, and vitamins.
For follow-up of a previous test
Because the value is stable throughout the day, measurements over time compare well with each other.
What your result means
How do we read your DHEA-S level?
DHEA-S is measured in micromoles per litre (µmol/L). The value depends strongly on your age and sex, and the laboratory applies appropriate reference values for this. Because DHEA-S is stable throughout the day, the time of the blood draw is less critical than it is for cortisol.
A low value
A lower DHEA-S level fits with ageing and is in itself often no cause for concern. A clearly low value can also fit with reduced adrenal function, or with the long-term use of corticosteroids, which suppress the adrenal gland. Our doctor takes your age, symptoms, and medication use into account in the explanation.
A normal value
A DHEA-S level within the reference values of the laboratory makes a strongly increased or decreased androgen production by the adrenal gland less likely. It is a snapshot of a single marker, which the doctor assesses in relation to your other results.
An elevated value
An elevated DHEA-S level indicates increased androgen production by the adrenal gland. In women this is sometimes investigated with complaints of excess hair growth, persistent acne, or an irregular cycle. The use of DHEA supplements can also raise the value. With a markedly elevated value, follow-up testing with your GP is indicated. A single measurement is not a diagnosis, and our doctor provides explanation and context.
How we interpret your result
Our doctors interpret your DHEA-S against the reference values of the laboratory, your age, your sex, and your use of medication or supplements. You receive a report in plain language, as a starting point for your own insight or a conversation with your healthcare provider.
Related tests
Often combined with DHEA-S.
A single marker gives one perspective. For a broader picture you can combine DHEA-S with a theme package or related markers.
Frequently asked questions
Everything you want to know
Do I need to fast for a DHEA-S test?
No, you do not need to fast for a DHEA-S measurement.
Does the time of the blood draw matter?
Less than it does for cortisol. DHEA-S has a long half-life and remains fairly stable throughout the day. A measurement at any time of day is therefore perfectly usable.
What is the difference between DHEA and DHEA-S?
DHEA-S is the sulphated form of DHEA. It occurs in a much higher concentration in the blood and fluctuates far less throughout the day. That is why laboratories routinely measure DHEA-S rather than DHEA.
Does the point in my cycle matter for this test?
DHEA-S does not depend strongly on the cycle. If you have DHEA-S measured as part of a broader hormone check, the point in your cycle does determine the interpretation of hormones such as oestradiol and progesterone. Please state your cycle day at the blood draw.
Why does DHEA-S decline with age?
Production in the adrenal cortex is highest during young adulthood and then decreases gradually. That is a normal part of ageing. The laboratory therefore applies reference values that suit your age.
What can an elevated value mean?
An elevated value indicates increased androgen production by the adrenal gland. In women this is sometimes reviewed with excess hair growth, persistent acne, or an irregular cycle. A single measurement is not a diagnosis. With a clearly elevated value, a conversation with your GP is the logical next step.
Do supplements or medications affect the value?
Yes. DHEA supplements raise the value. Long-term use of corticosteroids, such as prednisolone, can suppress it. Please state any known medication and supplement use at the blood draw.
What do I do with my result?
You will receive a PDF report with your value and an explanation from our doctor. What you do with it, such as discussing it with your GP or taking no action, remains entirely your choice.
Ready for insight into your DHEA-S level?
For €89 you receive your DHEA-S level including personal explanation from a doctor, typically within a few working days. No referral required.
Order DHEA-S for €79 →Want to test multiple markers at once?
Combine DHEA-S with other markers via Bloodworks Select. Blood draw costs are waived from €225.
79,-
All-in, blood draw included