Serum or plasma concentration of dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS)

This test measures the amount of DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) in your blood. DHEAS is a hormone made mainly by your adrenal glands, and your body converts it into testosterone and estrogen. Doctors often order this test to check how well your adrenal glands are working and to help investigate symptoms such as unexplained weight changes, excess body or facial hair, irregular periods, or early puberty in children.

Your healthcare provider may order a DHEAS test to evaluate adrenal gland health, especially in conditions like adrenal insufficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or to monitor hormone levels in cases of suspected hormonal imbalances.

A DHEAS level that is higher than normal may point to a problem with the adrenal glands, such as a tumor or adrenal hyperplasia, or to a condition like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A level that is lower than normal can occur when the adrenal glands are not producing enough hormones, which may be linked to pituitary gland problems or adrenal insufficiency. Your doctor will interpret your result together with your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings.

Low levels may indicate adrenal gland problems or conditions affecting hormone production, while high levels could suggest overproduction by the adrenal glands or certain genetic disorders.

Testing is often ordered when someone has signs of excess androgen hormones, such as acne, a deepening voice, increased body or facial hair, or menstrual irregularities. It may also be used to look into early puberty in children, to evaluate overall adrenal gland function, or to follow up on abnormal results from other hormone tests.

Common reasons include diagnosing or monitoring adrenal gland disorders, evaluating symptoms of hormonal imbalances, or assessing conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or certain cancers.

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, usually by a trained healthcare professional. In most cases, no special preparation is needed, although you may be asked to have the test done in the morning, when DHEAS levels tend to be more stable. Tell your provider about any medicines, supplements, or herbal products you take, because some of them can affect your results.

Blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. The sample is then processed into either serum (after clotting) or plasma (using an anticoagulant) for testing.