DHEA
What it measures, and what changes the number.
DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a steroid hormone made mainly by the adrenal glands, with smaller amounts from the ovaries and testes. It serves as a building block for sex hormones such as testosterone and estrogens. Spanish language reports may list it as 'Dehidroepiandrosterona (DHEA)'.
It is usually read with DHEA-S, its more stable sulfated form, and with cortisol, androstenedione and testosterone to assess adrenal and androgen activity.
Unlike DHEA-S, unsulfated DHEA has a short lifespan in the blood and follows a daily rhythm similar to cortisol, so morning collection is common and timing affects comparisons. Levels change substantially with age. Immunoassay and mass spectrometry methods can give different results.
Often read alongside: DHEA-S, Cortisol, Androstenedione, Total testosterone