Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 5–10 business days. May take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in the blood using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). DHEA-S is a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands in response to adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
DHEA-S serves as a precursor that can be converted into more active androgens and estrogens. Levels generally increase during adrenarche and puberty, reach their highest concentrations in early adulthood, and gradually decline with age.
Measuring DHEA-S can provide information about adrenal androgen production and may be useful when evaluating signs or symptoms of androgen excess or certain adrenal disorders.
This is a single-analyte test that specifically measures DHEA-S and does not include DHEA or other adrenal or reproductive hormones.
Benefits
- Measures DHEA-S using LC-MS/MS methodology
- Helps evaluate adrenal androgen production
- Supports assessment of signs and symptoms of androgen excess
- May provide useful information when evaluating certain adrenal disorders
- May be used alongside other hormone tests during evaluation for conditions such as PCOS or congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with signs or symptoms of androgen excess, such as hirsutism or virilization
- Individuals undergoing evaluation for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Individuals undergoing evaluation for congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
- Individuals with suspected adrenal androgen abnormalities
- Individuals undergoing evaluation for an androgen-producing adrenal tumor
- Individuals having DHEA-S measured alongside other hormone tests as part of a broader endocrine evaluation
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What does the DHEA-S Blood Test measure?
This test measures dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), a steroid hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands. DHEA-S can serve as a precursor for the production of more active androgens and estrogens.
2. Why might DHEA-S levels be tested?
DHEA-S may be measured when evaluating adrenal androgen production or investigating signs of androgen excess, such as excessive hair growth or virilization. It may also provide useful information during evaluation for certain adrenal and hormonal disorders, including polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH).
3. Can DHEA-S testing be used when evaluating PCOS or congenital adrenal hyperplasia?
Yes. For PCOS, DHEA-S may be measured as part of an evaluation for androgen excess. A DHEA-S result alone cannot diagnose PCOS, because healthcare providers also consider symptoms, medical history, and other laboratory findings. For CAH, DHEA-S may provide additional information about adrenal androgen production, and other hormone tests may also be necessary depending on the suspected form of CAH and the individual's clinical findings.
4. Is DHEA-S the same as DHEA, and does this test measure testosterone or estrogen?
No. DHEA and DHEA-S are related but distinct forms. DHEA-S is the sulfated form and is present in the blood at substantially higher concentrations. This test specifically measures DHEA-S rather than unconjugated DHEA. The androgens and estrogens that DHEA-S can serve as a precursor for, including testosterone and estrogen, are not measured as part of this test.
5. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required.
6. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available within 5 to 10 days, though they may take longer due to weather, holidays, or laboratory delays.
7. How do I interpret my results?
DHEA-S results should be interpreted using the age- and sex-specific reference interval provided by the laboratory. DHEA-S levels normally vary with age and sex and generally decline after early adulthood.
Abnormal DHEA-S levels may occur with several hormonal or adrenal conditions, but a result outside the reference interval does not diagnose a condition on its own. A healthcare provider can interpret the result alongside your symptoms, medical history, medications, and other laboratory findings.
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.
8. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review abnormal results with a qualified healthcare provider. Your provider can determine whether additional hormone testing or other evaluation is appropriate based on your symptoms, medical history, and DHEA-S result.
9. How often should I get tested?
There is no universal testing schedule for DHEA-S. Testing frequency depends on the reason for testing and should be determined with your healthcare provider.
Pre-test Preparation
No special preparation is required.
