Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around time: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delay.
Benefits
- No doctor visit required - Order directly and visit any nationwide lab location
- Hormone balance insights to identify adrenal disorders and PCOS early
- Fertility support for women experiencing irregular periods or conception difficulties
- Fast results delivered securely to your online portal within 2-3 days
- Easy sharing with healthcare providers through secure digital access
Who Is This Test For?
- Women with irregular periods, excess hair growth, or fertility concerns
- Individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or hormonal symptoms
- People with suspected PCOS or adrenal gland disorders
- Those monitoring known endocrine conditions or adrenal function
- Parents concerned about early puberty signs in children
- Anyone wanting to assess their hormone balance proactively
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No prescription needed; print your lab requisition form
- Visit any lab - Quick 5-minute blood draw at thousands of locations nationwide
- Get results - Access confidential results in your secure online portal within 2-3 days
FAQ
What does DHEA-S measure in my body? DHEA-S measures a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that converts to both male and female sex hormones, indicating adrenal function and hormone balance.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required, but avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours before testing and inform your provider about any DHEA supplements you're taking.
Will this test diagnose PCOS? While elevated DHEA-S can indicate PCOS, diagnosis requires additional hormone tests and clinical evaluation - this test serves as one important component.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results typically require follow-up testing and consultation with a healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
How accurate is this test? The test uses sensitive immunoassay methods with high diagnostic accuracy - DHEA-S levels below 40 mcg/dL diagnose certain adrenal conditions with 83.5% specificity (Biomedicines 2021).
Can men benefit from this test? Yes, men can use this test to evaluate adrenal function, investigate unexplained symptoms, or monitor known endocrine disorders.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The DHEA-S blood test evaluates adrenal gland function and helps diagnose conditions including adrenal tumors, PCOS, adrenal insufficiency, and causes of virilization in women or early puberty in children (Cleveland Clinic 2023). DHEA-S serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, making it a critical marker for hormone balance and adrenal health.
Since the adrenal glands produce most DHEA-S in your body, this test provides valuable insights into adrenal function that other hormone tests might miss. It's particularly useful for identifying autonomous cortisol secretion in patients with adrenal masses, with diagnostic accuracy improving when combined with other hormone markers.
Who would benefit from this test?
Women experiencing irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), infertility, or acne should consider this test, as these symptoms often indicate elevated androgen levels (MedlinePlus 2023). Individuals with suspected adrenal disorders, unexplained fatigue, or salt cravings may also benefit from DHEA-S testing.
Children showing signs of early puberty and patients with known adrenal masses require this test for proper diagnosis and monitoring. Additionally, approximately 20-30% of PCOS patients demonstrate excess adrenal androgen secretion, making DHEA-S testing crucial for comprehensive evaluation (Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2024).
When should I order a DHEA-S Blood Test?
Consider ordering when experiencing menstrual irregularities, excess body or facial hair, deepening voice, hair loss, or infertility in women. Other indicators include unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, salt cravings suggesting adrenal insufficiency, or when monitoring known endocrine disorders (Testing.com 2025).
For women with PCOS concerns, this test becomes especially important since elevated DHEA-S levels exceeding 7.69 μmol/L are associated with significantly decreased pregnancy rates (56.62% vs. 70.57%) in assisted reproductive technology (Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology 2024).
How do I interpret the results?
Normal DHEA-S levels (varies by age/sex):
- Indicates healthy adrenal function
- Typical action: Continue routine monitoring
High DHEA-S levels:
- May suggest adrenal tumors, PCOS, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Typical action: Further testing and specialist consultation
Low DHEA-S levels:
- May suggest adrenal insufficiency, Addison's disease, or hypopituitarism
- Typical action: Additional hormone tests and medical evaluation
Very low DHEA-S levels (<40 mcg/dL):
- May indicate autonomous cortisol secretion
- Typical action: Immediate referral to an endocrinologist
Normal ranges typically span 35-430 μg/dL for adult women and 80-560 μg/dL for adult men, varying by age (UF Health 2022).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required before your DHEA-S blood test, making it convenient to schedule anytime. However, discontinue biotin consumption at least 72 hours before collection, as it can interfere with test accuracy (Walk-In Lab).
Inform your healthcare provider about any DHEA supplements or medications containing DHEA you're currently taking. For women, consider timing relative to your menstrual cycle, as hormone levels can fluctuate throughout the month.
How often should I get tested?
Initial symptoms evaluation: One-time test with follow-up as needed
PCOS monitoring: Every 6–12 months or as directed by provider
Adrenal disorder monitoring: Every 3–6 months during treatment
General hormone health screening: Annually for at-risk individuals
Fertility treatment support: As recommended by reproductive specialist
Why early detection matters
Early detection of adrenal dysfunction and hormone imbalances can prevent serious complications and improve treatment outcomes. For women with PCOS, identifying elevated DHEA-S levels early enables targeted interventions that can significantly improve fertility prospects and reduce long-term health risks.
Detecting autonomous cortisol secretion early through DHEA-S testing, especially when combined with ACTH levels, provides 91.6% diagnostic specificity - allowing for prompt treatment before complications develop (Biomedicines 2021). Early intervention also helps prevent the progression of adrenal disorders that could impact cardiovascular health, bone density, and metabolic function.
Related tests you may consider
Testosterone Free (Direct) and Total Testosterone Test provides additional insight into androgen status, particularly valuable for women with suspected PCOS or hirsutism, since both DHEA-S and testosterone contribute to androgen excess symptoms.
ACTH (Adrenocorticotropic Hormone) Test combines with DHEA-S for improved diagnostic accuracy - the combination of DHEA-S <40 mcg/dL and ACTH <10 pg/mL offers superior specificity (91.6%) for diagnosing autonomous cortisol secretion.
Cortisol Urine Test, Urinary Free, 24-hour Urine helps evaluate adrenal function comprehensively and is often ordered alongside DHEA-S when Cushing's syndrome, Addison's disease, or other adrenal disorders are suspected.
