Lab test
What is a DHEA-S test, and what are normal DHEA sulfate levels?
A DHEA-S test measures dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, a hormone made mostly by the adrenal glands. It is used to check adrenal function and to look into excess hair growth, acne or irregular periods in women and early or late puberty. ARUP Laboratories lists 211 to 492 mcg/dL for men and 148 to 407 mcg/dL for women aged 20 to 24.
What does the DHEA-S test measure?
DHEA sulfate (DHEAS) is a steroid hormone made mostly in the adrenal glands, the small glands above the kidneys. MedlinePlus
Why is the DHEA-S test ordered?
- To find out if the adrenal glands are working well, or to help diagnose adrenal tumors and disorders of the testicles or ovaries. MedlinePlus
- To look into excess body or facial hair, deepening voice, acne or irregular periods in women and girls, or early or late puberty in boys. MedlinePlus
What are typical DHEA-S ranges?
ARUP Laboratories publishes DHEA sulfate intervals that fall steadily with age. Selected adult rows are below. ARUP Laboratories
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| Age | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| 20 to 24 years | 211 to 492 mcg/dL | 148 to 407 mcg/dL |
| 35 to 44 years | 89 to 427 mcg/dL | 61 to 337 mcg/dL |
| 55 to 64 years | 52 to 295 mcg/dL | 19 to 205 mcg/dL |
| 75 years and older | 16 to 123 mcg/dL | 12 to 154 mcg/dL |
What can affect DHEA-S results?
- No special preparation is needed for a DHEA sulfate test. MedlinePlus
- Over-the-counter DHEA supplements exist and are promoted as anti-aging, but MedlinePlus says there is no reliable evidence for those claims and they may cause serious side effects; tell your provider if you take one. MedlinePlus
When should you talk to a clinician about a DHEA-S result?
- High DHEAS can be linked to congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an adrenal tumor or PCOS, and low DHEAS to Addison disease; a clinician decides which follow-up tests make sense. MedlinePlus
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a DHEA-S test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
DHEA-S Test: questions, answered
What is a normal DHEA-S level?
It depends strongly on age and sex. ARUP Laboratories lists 211 to 492 mcg/dL for men and 148 to 407 mcg/dL for women aged 20 to 24, falling to 52 to 295 and 19 to 205 mcg/dL at 55 to 64. Use the range on your own report. ARUP also publishes separate ranges for children and by puberty stage.
Why is DHEA-S tested in women?
MedlinePlus lists signs such as excess body or facial hair, deepening voice, acne and irregular periods as reasons, since DHEAS is an adrenal source of male-type hormones. It is often tested alongside testosterone and estrogen. High levels can be linked to PCOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia or an adrenal tumor, which a clinician would look into.
Should I mention DHEA supplements before the test?
Yes. Tell the person ordering the test about every supplement you take. MedlinePlus also notes there is no reliable evidence that DHEA supplements slow aging, and that they may cause serious side effects. Do not start or stop a supplement around testing without asking first.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: DHEA Sulfate Test
- ARUP Laboratories: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, Serum (test 0070040)
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.