DHEA-S — Adrenal Hormone Test
DHEA-S is an adrenal hormone that peaks around puberty and declines with age, so the result is read against age- and sex-specific ranges.
DHEA sulfate (DHEA-S) is a hormone made by the adrenal glands, and the blood test is read against ranges for your age and sex because levels peak around puberty and then get lower as you age. An abnormal result may mean there is a problem with the adrenal glands.
The biomarker
- Name: DHEA-S
- Units: µg/dL
- Standard reference range: varies by age and sex; for example, ages 18–29: women 45–320 µg/dL, men 110–510 µg/dL, per MedlinePlus (ranges vary by lab)
How to read your result
| Value | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Within the range for your age and sex | No adrenal question raised by this marker |
| High | Has several possible explanations — a result above your lab's range needs prompt clinical evaluation |
| Low | Has several possible explanations — a result below your lab's range is a question for your clinician |
What to do with the result
- Read it for your age and sex. Normal blood levels differ by sex and age, and ranges vary slightly between labs — compare against the range printed on your own report.
- Clinician. A result outside the range for your age and sex is a question for your clinician, who decides on follow-up testing.
Why this test is worth asking for
- It is a single blood draw that helps assess how the adrenal glands are working.
- Because levels change with age, it is only meaningful against an age- and sex-matched range, which is exactly how the lab reports it.
Related protocols
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.
