What is a DHEA-S Test? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form down below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the DHEA-S test?
It is used to measure the amount of DHEA sulfate in the blood.
Also Read: PCOS
What is DHEA-S?
It stands for dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. It is a male sex hormone (androgen) present in both, males and females. It is made by the adrenal glands which are small glands, situated above the kidneys. Its small amount is made by the male testicles and female ovaries also.
- It helps in the production of the male sex hormone testosterone and the female sex hormone estrogen.
- It also helps in the development of male secondary sexual characters at puberty.
What is this used for?
Abnormal DHEA-S levels indicate some problem with the adrenal gland or sex organs (testicles or ovaries). This test is used to diagnose the following conditions:
- Disorders of adrenal glands
- Tumours of adrenal glands
- Any disorders of male testicles
- Any disorder of female ovaries
- Cause of early puberty in both males and females
What is the normal range for DHEAS in the blood?
The normal range of DHEAS in the blood varies by age and gender. The units of measurement are micrograms per deciliter (mcg/dL).
The ranges for females are as follows:
- 18 – 19 years: 145 to 395 mcg/dL
- 20 – 29 years: 65 and 380 mcg/dL
- 30 – 39 years: 45 to 270 mcg/dL
- 40 – 49 years: 32 to 240 mcg/dL
- 50 – 59 years: 26 to 200 mcg/dL
- 60 – 69 years: 13 to 130 mcg/dL
- Above 69 years: 17 to 90 mcg/dL
The ranges for males are as follows:
- 18 – 19 years: 108 to 441 mcg/dL
- 20 – 29 years: 280 to 640 mcg/dL
- 30 – 39 years: 120 to 520 mcg/dL
- 40 – 49 years: 95 to 530 mcg/dL
- 50 – 59 years: 70 to 310 mcg/dL
- 60 – 69 years: 42 to 290 mcg/dL
- Above 69 years: 28 to 175 mcg/dL
Why should I get it done?
The following are some signs and symptoms related to high or low levels of DHEA-S. Usually, adult males with high DHEA-S do not present with many symptoms, but male children may experience early puberty (precocious puberty).
- Females with high DHEA-S may present with:
- Irregular menses, Amenorrhea
- Hirsutism (Excessive hair growth over face and body)
- Hair loss from the top of the head
- Acne
- Deepening of voice – increase in Adam’s apple size
- Increased muscularity
- Infertility
- Decreased breast size
- Vaginal atrophy
Symptoms of low DHEA-S include:
- Adults with low DHEA-S may experience a decrease in sex drive
- Males may experience erectile dysfunction
- Thinning of vaginal tissues
Other symptoms may include:
- Dehydration
- Salt cravings
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
What does it mean to have high DHEA-S?
You may need other testing along with the DHEAS test to rule out the cause of the disease. If you have a high level of DHEAS in your blood, you may have:
- Congenital adrenal Hyperplasia
- Adrenal tumour
- PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome)
- Ovarian cancer
What does it mean to have low DHEA-S?
If you have a low level of DHEAS in your blood, you may have:
Addison’s disease – a condition where adrenal glands are not able to make enough of DHEAS
Hypopituitarism or pituitary adenoma – where the pituitary gland is not able to secrete a hormone that signals adrenal glands to make DHEAS.
