DHEA-S

What it measures, and what changes the number.

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is the sulfated form of DHEA and is produced almost entirely by the adrenal glands. It is the most abundant circulating adrenal androgen and acts as a reservoir that the body can convert into other sex hormones. Reports may list it as 'DHEA SULFATE' or 'Dehidroepiandrosterona Sulfato (DHEA-S)'.

It is commonly read alongside DHEA, cortisol, testosterone, androstenedione and 17-OH progesterone when looking at adrenal and androgen function.

Because DHEA-S stays in the blood much longer than DHEA, it varies little through the day, so collection time matters less. Levels change markedly with age and differ between sexes. Results can vary between immunoassay and mass spectrometry methods.

Reference ranges labs publish

Each lab states an interval for its own method and the population it measured. They differ, they are not interchangeable, and none of them is a verdict on a single result.

Often read alongside: DHEA, Cortisol, Total testosterone, Androstenedione, 17-OH progesterone

Blood test glossary