Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw from arm vein
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 5–10 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Superior accuracy - LC/MS-MS technology eliminates cross-reactivity issues common with standard tests
- Convenient scheduling - Test anytime without fasting or special preparation
- Direct access - Order without physician referral for proactive health monitoring
- Comprehensive screening - Evaluates adrenal function and hormone balance in one test
- Cost-effective - Avoid expensive specialist visits with direct-to-consumer testing
- Confidential results - Private access to results
Who Is This Test For?
- Women experiencing irregular periods, excessive hair growth, or acne
- Individuals with unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or decreased energy
- People investigating fertility issues or reproductive health concerns
- Those monitoring age-related hormone decline or wellness optimization
- Individuals with suspected PCOS or adrenal disorders
- Anyone seeking comprehensive hormone assessment without physician referral
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
Order Online - Select your test and complete secure checkout with no appointment needed
Visit Lab - Get a quick blood draw at any of 4,500+ locations nationwide
Get Results - Access confidential results online within 5-10 days
FAQ
What does this test measure? DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) levels in your blood, a hormone produced by your adrenal glands that serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones.
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. You can eat normally and take your regular medications before testing.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results require physician consultation for proper interpretation. High levels may need imaging studies; low levels may require additional adrenal testing.
Can I take this test if I'm on medications? Yes, continue your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise. Discontinue biotin supplements 72 hours before testing to avoid interference.
How accurate is the LC/MS-MS method? LC/MS-MS provides superior accuracy (85-115%) and specificity compared to traditional immunoassays, eliminating cross-reactivity issues for more precise results (Mayo Clinic 2023).
When will I get my results? Results are typically available within 5-10 days and can be accessed confidentially online through your secure patient portal.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The DHEA-S LC/MS-MS test measures dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate levels to evaluate adrenal gland function and diagnose hormone-related conditions. DHEA-S serves as a precursor to both male and female sex hormones, making it crucial for assessing overall hormonal health (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
This advanced LC/MS-MS methodology provides superior accuracy and eliminates cross-reactivity issues common with traditional immunoassays. The test helps identify adrenal disorders, supports PCOS diagnosis, screens for adrenal tumors, and monitors age-related hormonal decline. Healthcare providers use DHEA-S testing to differentiate between various causes of androgen excess and evaluate unexplained symptoms like fatigue or mood changes.
Who would benefit from this test?
Women with symptoms of androgen excess including hirsutism, acne, or irregular menstrual periods would benefit significantly from DHEA-S testing. Individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, decreased libido, or mood changes may have underlying adrenal dysfunction detectable through this test (Mayo Clinic 2023).
People investigating fertility issues, monitoring age-related hormone decline, or seeking comprehensive wellness assessments find DHEA-S testing valuable. Those with suspected adrenal disorders, PCOS, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia benefit from the diagnostic clarity this test provides. Health-conscious consumers wanting proactive hormone monitoring without requiring initial physician consultation particularly value direct access testing.
When should I order DHEA-S, LC/MS-MS testing?
Order DHEA-S testing when experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance such as irregular periods, unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or decreased energy levels. Women with excessive hair growth, persistent acne, or fertility concerns should consider this test as part of comprehensive hormone evaluation.
Individuals monitoring age-related hormonal changes or those with family history of adrenal disorders benefit from periodic DHEA-S assessment. The test requires no specific timing restrictions and can be performed at any time of day without fasting (Walk-In Lab 2025). Consider testing as part of routine wellness monitoring or when investigating unexplained symptoms that may relate to hormonal imbalances.
How do I interpret the results?
Women 18–29: 45–320 µg/dL
- What it means: Normal range for young adult women
- Typical action: No action needed; routine monitoring
Women 30–39: 40–295 µg/dL
- What it means: Normal range with age-related decline
- Typical action: Continue healthy lifestyle practices
>600 µg/dL (any age)
- What it means: Possible adrenal tumor
- Typical action: Immediate physician consultation and imaging
Below normal range
- What it means: Possible adrenal insufficiency or normal aging
- Typical action: Clinical correlation and additional testing
Mildly elevated
- What it means: May be idiopathic or early PCOS
- Typical action: Monitor and correlate with symptoms
DHEA-S levels naturally decline by 80-90% from peak adult levels by age 80, making age-appropriate interpretation essential (Mayo Clinic 2023).
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for DHEA-S testing, making it convenient for any time of day. Discontinue biotin supplements 72 hours before testing to avoid potential interference with results. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider.
Women may be asked to test at specific menstrual cycle times if part of comprehensive hormone panels. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications, supplements, or medical conditions that might affect hormone levels. The test requires a simple blood draw with minimal preparation needed.
How often should I get tested?
- Routine wellness monitoring: Annually after age 30
- PCOS management: Every 6–12 months
- Adrenal disorder monitoring: As clinically indicated (every 3–6 months)
- Age-related decline tracking: Every 1–2 years
- Post-treatment monitoring: Every 3–6 months initially
Why early detection matters
Early detection of DHEA-S abnormalities enables timely intervention for serious conditions like adrenal tumors, which show elevated levels in over 90% of cases. Identifying PCOS early through DHEA-S testing helps prevent long-term complications including diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Low DHEA-S levels predict increased mortality risk, with the lowest quartile showing 54% increased all-cause mortality in elderly men (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology 2010). Early detection allows for lifestyle modifications and potential interventions to optimize hormonal health before symptoms worsen or complications develop.
Related tests you may consider
Testosterone Free (Direct) and Total Testosterone Test - Detects for abnormal testosterone levels or hormone imbalances by measuring the free and total testosterone.
Cortisol Blood Test, AM - Measures cortisol levels in a morning blood sample to help screen for health conditions that affect the adrenal glands.
Androstenedione Blood Test, LC/MS- Measures androstenedione levels to evaluate adrenal gland, ovarian, or testicular function and to identify excess androgens in women.
