Fertility profile Biomarker
Collection Type: Blood
Related System: Fertility profile
DHEA‑sulphate (DHEA‑S) is a sulphated adrenal androgen produced mainly by the adrenal cortex; it is a stable circulating form of dehydroepiandrosterone and serves as a marker of adrenal androgen production. The DHEA‑S test measures serum DHEA‑S concentration to evaluate causes of excess or deficient androgen activity. It is used when patients present with hirsutism, acne, irregular menstruation, rapid virilization, infertility, premature adrenarche, or suspected adrenal tumor. Levels vary with age (peak in young adulthood, decline with age), and are higher in males than females; values are also influenced by pregnancy, medications, and body mass.
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Symptom CheckerWomen (adult): 35–430 μg/dL OR 0.95–11.7 μmol/L Men (adult): 85–690 μg/dL OR 2.31–18.7 μmol/L
Q: What is high Dhea sulfate in females?
A: High DHEA‑sulfate in females means elevated adrenal-derived androgen levels. It suggests adrenal or ovarian androgen excess, common in polycystic ovary syndrome but also caused by congenital adrenal hyperplasia, adrenal tumors, Cushing’s, or exogenous androgens. Symptoms include excess hair growth, acne, menstrual irregularities, and possible virilization. Diagnosis uses blood tests and imaging; treatment targets the underlying cause with hormonal therapy, anti-androgens, or surgery when indicated.
Q: What happens when your Dhea sulfate is low?
A: Low DHEA‑S reduces available precursors for androgens and estrogens, often producing fatigue, low libido, mood changes, reduced muscle mass, decreased bone density and cognitive fog. Women may have menstrual irregularities or fertility problems. In older adults it’s linked with frailty, immune weakness and higher cardiometabolic risk. Very low levels can signal adrenal insufficiency; further medical evaluation and targeted treatment are advised.
Q: What level of DHEAS indicates adrenal tumor?
A: Markedly elevated DHEA‑S generally more than three times the laboratory upper limit of normal suggests an adrenal androgen‑producing tumor. In adult women this is often considered roughly >700 µg/dL (laboratory units vary), though cutoffs change with age and sex. Such a result merits endocrine assessment and adrenal imaging to confirm the diagnosis.
Q: What does DHEA do for your hormones?
A: DHEA is an adrenal steroid precursor that the body converts into androgens and estrogens, helping maintain sex-hormone balance. Levels fall with age; supplements can modestly raise testosterone and estrogen, potentially improving libido, energy, and mood in deficient people. Effects vary and risks include acne, hair growth, hormone-sensitive cancers, and interactions; medical supervision is advised.
Q: Is high DHEA a symptom of PCOS?
A: Yes—many people with PCOS have elevated androgens, and DHEA‑S (an adrenal androgen) is often raised, reflecting an adrenal contribution to hyperandrogenism. However, not everyone with PCOS has high DHEA/DHEA‑S; markedly high levels should prompt evaluation for other causes (adrenal tumor, late‑onset congenital adrenal hyperplasia) and further endocrine testing. Clinical signs and lab results guide diagnosis and management.
Q: Can high DHEA cause weight gain?
A: High DHEA levels are not clearly proven to directly cause weight gain. Elevated DHEA can affect hormones and body composition—sometimes increasing lean mass or altering fat distribution—and is linked with conditions (like PCOS or adrenal disorders) that often involve weight changes. If you notice weight gain with other symptoms (acne, excess hair, irregular periods), see a clinician for evaluation and hormonal testing.