Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) in serum/plasma

What Is DHEA-S Used For?

Doctors may order DHEA-S testing to evaluate adrenal gland health, especially in cases of suspected adrenal insufficiency (e.g., Addison’s disease), hormonal disorders, or to monitor treatment responses in conditions like chronic fatigue syndrome or autoimmune diseases. It can also be part of broader hormone assessments, though it’s not a primary test for most conditions.

How Is This Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum or plasma, which is sent to a lab for analysis using a high-performance liquid chromatography (Hplc) method to measure DHEA-S levels.

What Does a DHEA-S Test Tell You?

DHEA-S levels can reflect overall adrenal function and may indicate whether your adrenal glands are producing enough of this hormone. However, individual results depend on factors like age, sex, health status, and medications. Results alone don’t diagnose a condition—they’re often part of a larger evaluation.

Possible Causes of Abnormal Results

Low DHEA-S levels might suggest adrenal insufficiency, aging, or certain medications. High levels could be linked to conditions like Cushing’s syndrome, tumors affecting hormone production, or rare genetic disorders. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.