DHEA-S — Adrenal Reserve
DHEA-S is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone. It declines after age 30; low values for age track with stress load, under-recovery, and aging.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone and a marker of adrenal reserve. It declines steadily after age 30, and low DHEA-S relative to age tracks with stress load, under-recovery, and accelerated biological aging.
The biomarker
- Name: DHEA-S
- Units: µg/dL
- Standard reference range: 50–600 — wide reference, age-adjusted
- Optimal range: 200–500 (men 30-50); 150–350 (women 30-50) — age-adjusted
How to read your result
| Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Low for age | Investigate chronic stress, under-eating, over-training |
| Optimal | Healthy adrenal reserve |
| High | Check for PCOS / adrenal tumour |
What moves the needle
- Sleep. 7–9 h consistent.
- Stress. Add daily recovery practice.
- Training. Reduce volume if HRV trending down.
- Clinician. Endocrinology referral if persistently low or high.
Why this test is worth asking for
- DHEA-S is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone, giving a stable, single-draw window into adrenal reserve.
- Because it declines steadily after age 30, low values relative to your age can flag stress load and under-recovery before other markers shift.
- It tracks with accelerated biological aging, making it a useful signal for longevity-focused monitoring.
Related protocols
- Zinc — Immune + Hormone Cofactor
- TSH, Free T3 and T4 — Thyroid Panel
- Testosterone, Total and Free (Men)
Sources
AgeGen lab guides are educational only. We do not provide medical diagnosis, prescribe brands, or recommend specific doses. Talk to a licensed clinician before changing your supplement or medication routine.
