Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) Sulfate

What is DHEA-Sulfate?

DHEA is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that are located on top of our kidneys. It is the precursor of male and female sex hormones. It is responsible for many bodily functions such as boosting our immune system, improving our bone density and cardiovascular health, providing energy and vitality and maintaining our sleep patterns normal. DHEA is also accountable for helping the body’s recovery from intensive stress and trauma. When we are facing high levels of stress, whether external or emotional, over prolonged periods of time, our adrenal glands become tired and start forming lesser amounts of hormones.

The DHEAs is a male sex hormone that is found in both genders. This hormone helps the development of secondary male sexual characteristics during puberty. The body can convert DHEAs into more potent male sex hormones like testosterone and androstenedione. It can also be converted into estrogen (female hormone). The main difference between DHEA and DHEAs is the presence of an extra sulfate molecule. Our body concerts DHEAs into DHEA with the help of an enzyme called the steroid sulfatase. In the morning, our body produces DHEA that get secreted quickly; but, DHEAs remains in our system longer. It is the job of our adrenal glands to produce DHEAs. A small amount is also produced by the woman ‘s ovaries and men ‘s testicles.

Why take the DHEA-Sulfate test?

This test helps evaluate the function of adrenal glands, detect any tumor or cancer on the adrenal gland, as well as help determine what is causing the virile characteristics in girls and women. It is also recommended to check the reason why boys are having early puberty that are marked by early pubic hair, muscularity, and an enlarged penis. This test is a great tool to determine congenital adrenal hyperplasia an adult onset adrenal hyperplasia.

While this test is not commonly ordered, it is a great marker for adrenal gland functions. If you have high levels of DHEAs, you need to get tested. While excess levels are not noticed in men, it can lead to early puberty in young boys. In women, excess DHEAs can cause the absence of menstrual periods, manly physical characteristics like excess body and facial hair. Other symptoms that women with high DHEAs levels show include having a deeper voice, acne, having a decreased breast size, having an enlarged Adam’s apple, and having male pattern baldness. May even lead to ambiguous external genitalia, that is when a baby girl is born with genitals that are not distinctly male or female.

DHEAs in women is often ordered along with other hormones such as prolactin, estrogen, testosterone, LH and FSH to understand the possible causes of infertility, the reason why there is amenorrhea, and to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome.

What can cause the levels of DHEA-Sulfate to rise?

At birth, both baby girls and boys are born with normally high levels of DHEAs. These levels drop after birth and rise again during puberty. With age, levels start decreasing, once again. To make sure nothing is interfering with your results, you need to stop taking any DHEA supplement. Some drugs also elevate blood levels of this hormone. These include anti diabetic drugs like metformin and troglitazone, prolactin, danazol, calcium channel blockers, and nicotine. Some drugs might lower then levels of DHEAs in your blood these include: insulin, oral contraceptives, corticosteroids, dopamine, hepatic enzyme inducers, fish oil and vitamin E. It is essential to inform your doctor if you are taking any of these drugs and supplements.

While some hormones have to be drawn at a certain time of the day, DHEAs levels remain stable throughout the day. You can take the test at anytime without having to worry whether the hormone is being released intermittently or as a response to stress.

What your DHEA-Sulfate test results mean?

When test results are out, you need to understand that normal levels of DHEA-s are different for men and women. These levels also change with age. Some values may also differ between laboratories.

For women, normal DHEA-s levels are as follows:

• Between the ages of 18 and 19, levels are between 145 and 395 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 20 and 29, levels are between 65 and 380 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 30 and 39, levels are between 45 and 270 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 40 and 49, levels are between 32 and 240 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 50 and 59, levels are between 26 and 200 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 60 and 69, levels are between 13 and 130 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 69 and above, levels are between 17 and 90 micrograms per deciliter.

For men, these are normal DHEA-s values:

• Between the ages of 18 and 19, levels are between 108 and 441 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 20 and 29, levels are between 280 and 640 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 30 and 39, levels are between 120 and 520 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 40 and 49, levels are between 95 and 530 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 50 and 59, levels are between 70 and 310 micrograms per deciliter
• Between the ages of 60 and 69, levels are between 42 and 290 per deciliter
• Between the ages of 69 and above, levels are between 28 and 175 micrograms per deciliter

If your DHEA-s levels are above normal values; then, it may be caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (when the adrenal gland is overreactive), which is a genetic disorder; a tumor on the adrenal glands; polycystic ovaries (that may lead to infertility); as well as puberty changes that are happening sooner than expected. Cushing disease can also be the result of high levels of DHEAs and is accompanied by signs including fat accumulation in the abdominal area, skin bruising, and excess hair growth.

If your DHEA-s levels are lower than normal values; then, it may be caused by adrenal insufficiencies or Addison’s disease, and hypopituitarism (that is a condition leading to extreme tiredness, infertility, weight loss and stunting in kids). Sometimes, adrenal insufficiencies are caused by an extended exposure to stress. You need to talk to your doctor about the possible treatment options. Lifestyle changes can also be of great benefit to restore the functions of your adrenals. These include sleeping well, following a healthy whole foods diet, avoiding caffeine, staying away from fasting, getting exposed to natural sunlight, exercising regularly, and adding herbs that may boost your immune system.

Where can I get a DHEA-Sulfate test near me?

Please use our Lab Locator to find find a convenient testing location.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: Oct 24, 2019