📅 Last Updated: April 2026 | 🩺 Medically Reviewed by: Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director | 🧪 Lab Partner: Labcorp
Also Known As
DHEA Blood Test, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA-S Test, DHEA-SO4
What Is a DHEA-S Blood Test?
A DHEA-S blood test measures the level of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in your blood — a hormone produced almost exclusively by the adrenal glands. DHEA-S is the most abundant steroid hormone in the human body and serves as the primary building block for producing sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen.
Testing DHEA-S levels helps evaluate adrenal gland function, investigate the cause of hormonal imbalances, assess aging-related hormone decline, and screen for adrenal disorders. According to the National Institutes of Health, DHEA-S peaks in your mid-20s and declines steadily with age — dropping to just 20–30% of peak levels by your 70s and 80s.
What Does DHEA-S Do in the Body?
DHEA-S is a precursor hormone — meaning its primary role is to convert into other hormones your body needs. Once produced by the adrenal glands, DHEA-S converts into:
- Testosterone — supporting muscle mass, libido, energy, and bone density in both men and women
- Estrogen — supporting reproductive health, bone protection, and mood regulation
- Other androgens — influencing body composition, skin health, and immune function
Beyond its role as a hormone precursor, DHEA-S has been studied for its effects on immune function, cognitive health, mood, and energy levels — particularly as it relates to age-related decline.
DHEA-S Normal Reference Ranges
Reference ranges vary significantly by age and sex:
Women
| Age | Normal Range (µg/dL) |
|---|---|
| 18–29 | 44–332 |
| 30–39 | 31–228 |
| 40–49 | 18–244 |
| 50–59 | 21–170 |
| 60–69 | 11–171 |
| 70+ | 17–90 |
Men
| Age | Normal Range (µg/dL) |
|---|---|
| 18–29 | 160–449 |
| 30–39 | 112–397 |
| 40–49 | 79–377 |
| 50–59 | 70–310 |
| 60–69 | 42–290 |
| 70+ | 28–175 |
Reference ranges may vary slightly by laboratory. Always interpret results in the context of age, symptoms, and clinical history.
DHEA-S Normal Ranges — What Your Results Mean
| Group | Normal Range | Notes |
|—|—|—|
| Men (18–29) | 280–640 mcg/dL | Peak adrenal output |
| Men (30–39) | 120–520 mcg/dL | Declining with age |
| Men (40–49) | 95–530 mcg/dL | Continued decline |
| Men (50–59) | 70–310 mcg/dL | Age-related reduction |
| Men (60+) | 42–290 mcg/dL | Further decline expected |
| Women (18–29) | 65–380 mcg/dL | |
| Women (30–39) | 45–270 mcg/dL | |
| Women (40–49) | 32–240 mcg/dL | |
| Women (50+) | 26–200 mcg/dL | |
| Elevated (Women) | Above upper limit | PCOS, adrenal tumor, congenital adrenal hyperplasia |
DHEA-S — The Forgotten Adrenal Hormone
DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) is the most abundant hormone in the human body and the primary adrenal androgen — yet it’s rarely tested in routine wellness panels. It serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen, meaning it directly influences hormonal health in both men and women.
DHEA-S declines significantly with age — peaking in the mid-20s and declining 10-20% per decade thereafter. By age 70 most people have roughly 10-20% of their peak DHEA-S levels. This decline is associated with reduced muscle mass, increased
body fat, decreased immune function, and lower sense of well-being — though causality versus correlation is still studied.
Why women need DHEA-S testing:
In women the adrenal glands are the primary source of androgens. Elevated DHEA-S is one of the most common causes of androgen excess in women causing acne, excess facial and body hair, and irregular periods identical to PCOS. Testing DHEA-S alongside testosterone helps distinguish adrenal androgen excess from ovarian androgen excess.
Why men need DHEA-S testing:
In men with fatigue, low libido, and declining performance — DHEA-S provides context alongside testosterone. A man with low testosterone AND low DHEA-S suggests upstream adrenal insufficiency rather than primary testicular failure — two very different clinical pictures requiring different interventions.
Reviewed by Edward Salko, D.O., Medical Director, Personalabs
What Does High DHEA-S Mean?
Elevated DHEA-S above the age-adjusted normal range may indicate:
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) — a genetic disorder affecting adrenal hormone production
- Adrenal tumor or cancer — adrenal tumors can produce excess DHEA-S
- Cushing syndrome — excess cortisol production often accompanied by elevated DHEA-S
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — elevated DHEA-S is a common finding in women with PCOS
- Ectopic ACTH syndrome — ACTH produced outside the pituitary gland stimulates excess adrenal hormone output
Symptoms of high DHEA-S in women may include:
- Excess facial or body hair (hirsutism)
- Acne
- Irregular or absent periods
- Deepening of the voice
- Infertility
- Male-pattern hair thinning
Symptoms of high DHEA-S in men may include:
- Acne
- Aggressive behavior or mood changes
- Early puberty in adolescents
What Does Low DHEA-S Mean?
Low DHEA-S below the age-adjusted normal range may indicate:
- Addison’s disease — the adrenal glands don’t produce enough hormones
- Adrenal insufficiency — partial or complete failure of adrenal hormone production
- Hypopituitarism — the pituitary gland fails to adequately stimulate the adrenal glands
- Adrenal hypoplasia — underdevelopment of the adrenal glands
- Age-related decline — natural and expected reduction in DHEA-S production after age 30
Symptoms of low DHEA-S may include:
- Fatigue and low energy
- Decreased libido
- Depression or low mood
- Difficulty building or maintaining muscle
- Decreased bone density
- Brain fog or difficulty concentrating
- Reduced immune function
- Salt cravings, dizziness, or nausea (signs of adrenal insufficiency)
Who Should Get a DHEA-S Test?
- Women with unexplained excess facial or body hair, acne, or irregular periods
- Women with known or suspected PCOS
- Women or men experiencing unexplained fatigue, low libido, or mood changes
- Anyone with suspected adrenal gland dysfunction
- Anyone with symptoms of Cushing syndrome or Addison’s disease
- Men or women experiencing early signs of hormone-related aging
- People considering DHEA supplementation — baseline testing before starting is essential
- Anyone currently taking DHEA supplements to monitor levels
- Children or adolescents with signs of early or delayed puberty
Test Preparation
No fasting required for the DHEA-S blood test. You can eat and drink normally beforehand.
Biotin supplements: If you are taking high-dose biotin (vitamin B7), wait at least 8 hours after your last dose before giving your blood sample. High biotin levels can interfere with immunoassay test results.
DHEA supplements: If you currently take DHEA supplements, note this when reviewing your results. Supplementation will elevate DHEA-S levels and needs to be factored into interpretation.
Time of day: DHEA-S is relatively stable throughout the day compared to cortisol, so there is no specific time requirement for this test.
How Much Does a DHEA-S Test Cost?
| Where You Get Tested | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personalabs | $49–$69 | Physician order included |
| Doctor’s office visit + lab | $200–$400+ | Office copay + lab fees |
| Endocrinologist visit | $300–$600+ | Specialist fees apply |
| Hospital outpatient lab | $300–$700+ | Facility fees apply |
HSA and FSA eligible. DHEA-S testing qualifies as a reimbursable medical expense.
How to Order Your DHEA-S Test
Step 1: Order online — your physician-approved lab order is ready within 2–4 hours. Step 2: Find a lab near you using our Lab Locator. Step 3: Walk in for your blood draw — no fasting needed. Step 4: Get results in your secure Personalabs account within 24–48 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions: DHEA-S Blood Test
What is DHEA-S and why should I test it?
DHEA-S is the most abundant hormone in the body and the primary adrenal androgen — a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. It declines 10-20% per decade after the mid-20s. Testing DHEA-S helps evaluate adrenal function, diagnose PCOS in women, assess androgen excess, and provide context to low testosterone findings in men.
What does high DHEA-S mean in women?
Elevated DHEA-S in women indicates adrenal androgen excess — the adrenal glands are overproducing androgens. Common causes include PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, and adrenal tumors. Symptoms include acne, excess hair growth, irregular periods, and male-pattern hair loss. Testing DHEA-S alongside total and free testosterone helps identify the source of androgen excess.
What does low DHEA-S mean?
Low DHEA-S indicates adrenal underfunction. In younger people this may suggest adrenal exhaustion or adrenal insufficiency. In older adults low DHEA-S is common and associated with reduced energy, immune function, and muscle mass. Some providers use DHEA supplementation to restore levels though this should be done with monitoring.
Do I need to fast for a DHEA-S blood test?
No fasting required. DHEA-S is relatively stable throughout the day unlike cortisol — there is no specific time requirement. Available through Personalabs without a doctor’s visit — results in 24 to 48 hours.
Related: 10 Essential Blood Tests You Should Take Every Year
