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DHEA Sulfate Test
Reviewed by Medicinsk Expert•Last updated: 2026-10-22•Lab Tests

DHEA Sulfate Test

The DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) test measures the levels of a specific steroid hormone in your blood to evaluate adrenal gland function and diagnose hormonal disorders.

What is a DHEA sulfate test?

This test measures the levels of DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) in your blood. DHEAS is a steroid hormone mostly made in the adrenal glands, two small glands located above your kidneys. While it is a type of androgen (male sex hormone), it is found in both men and women. DHEAS plays an important role in making testosterone and estrogen and is essential for the development of sexual characteristics at puberty.

If your DHEAS levels are not normal, it may indicate a problem with your adrenal glands or sex hormones.

What is it used for?

A DHEAS test is most often used to:

  • Find out if your adrenal glands are working well
  • Diagnose tumors of the adrenal glands
  • Diagnose disorders of the testicles or ovaries
  • Find out the cause of early or late puberty in boys
  • Look for the cause of the development of masculine features in women and girls, such as excess hair growth or deepening of the voice

Why do I need a DHEA sulfate test?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of high or low DHEAS levels. Symptoms of high levels of DHEAS in women and girls may include:

  • Excess body and facial hair growth
  • Deepening of voice
  • Menstrual irregularities
  • Acne
  • Becoming very muscular
  • Hair loss at the top of the head

Symptoms of low levels of DHEAS related to adrenal gland disorders can include unexplained weight loss, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dehydration, and salt cravings. If related to aging, symptoms may include decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction in men, or thinning of vaginal tissues in women.

What happens during a DHEA sulfate test?

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. The procedure typically takes less than five minutes.

What do the results mean?

High levels of DHEAS may be a sign of:

  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • A tumor of the adrenal gland (benign or cancerous)
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Rarely, an ovarian tumor

Low levels of DHEAS may be a sign of:

  • Addison disease
  • Hypopituitarism

Important Considerations

Over-the-counter DHEA sulfate supplements are sometimes promoted as anti-aging therapy, but there is no reliable evidence to support these claims, and they may cause serious side effects. Always consult your provider regarding your results and any supplement use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your endocrinologist will tailor the schedule, but many patients have levels checked every 3–6 months during the first year of treatment and then annually once stable. Regular monitoring helps adjust steroid replacement doses.
You usually do not need to fast, but you should avoid taking any steroid medications, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy for at least 24–48 hours before the test if your doctor advises it. Inform your provider about all supplements and medications you are taking, as some can affect DHEAS levels.
Yes. Regular moderate exercise, stress management, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help normalize DHEAS. Conversely, chronic stress, excessive caffeine, or high-fat diets may raise levels. Always discuss changes with your healthcare provider before making adjustments.
High DHEAS can indicate an adrenal tumor, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or excess androgen production, leading to symptoms like hirsutism or acne. Low DHEAS may point to adrenal insufficiency, pituitary disease, or the natural decline of adrenal function with age, potentially causing fatigue, weight loss, or salt cravings.
Source: MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine

MedlinePlus brings together authoritative health information from the National Library of Medicine (NLM), the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and other government agencies and health-related organizations.

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