Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), Tetrahydrocortisone (THE), Tetrahydrocortisol (THF), and 5-Alpha-Tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF), Urine/Serum — Total
Measures DHEA and cortisol metabolites in urine and/or serum to help evaluate adrenal steroid production and possible adrenal enzyme disorders.
["This panel helps assess adrenal hormone production and may support evaluation for an adrenal steroid disorder."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82879-8
- Short code
- DHEA/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Synonyms
- DHEA/THE+THF+5a-THF Ur-sRto
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile urine container
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 135
- Ref high
- 980
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82626
- Specimen volume
- 10 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
This test measures dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and three cortisol metabolites: tetrahydrocortisone (THE), tetrahydrocortisol (THF), and 5-alpha-tetrahydrocortisol (5α-THF). It is used to evaluate adrenal steroid production and the conversion of cortisol to cortisone.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this panel when symptoms suggest excess or deficiency of adrenal hormones. It can provide information about adrenal androgen production and help investigate disorders involving adrenal steroid enzymes, including problems affecting cortisol and cortisone balance.
How is the test performed?
Laboratory staff analyze a urine specimen and/or a blood sample. Urine collection may be a single sample or a timed collection, depending on the order. The laboratory measures DHEA and the listed cortisol metabolites using validated testing methods.
How do I prepare for the test?
Follow the collection instructions provided by your clinician, especially if a timed urine collection is required. Tell the healthcare team about steroid medicines, other hormone treatments, and supplements because they can affect the results.
Reference range
NCBI: DHEA-S Male 135-980 µg/dL; Female 30-260 µg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal results may indicate increased or decreased adrenal steroid production, an imbalance between cortisol and cortisone, or an adrenal enzyme disorder. Elevated DHEA can occur with androgen excess, while lower DHEA may be associated with reduced adrenal function. Results must be interpreted with symptoms, medication use, other hormone tests, and the specific collection method because the metabolites are affected by age, illness, and hormone treatment.
Short name
Adrenal steroid metabolite panel
Frequently asked questions
What do DHEA, THE, THF, and 5α-THF measure?
Is this the same as a standard cortisol test?
Can medications affect the results?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy