Part of
Hormonal health
DHEAS
DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an adrenal hormone that can indicate adrenal gland function and PCOS.
DHEAS
Normal range
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
DHEAS
DHEAS
DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an adrenal hormone that can indicate adrenal gland function and PCOS.
DHEAS
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
DHEAS
DHEAS
DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an adrenal hormone that can indicate adrenal gland function and PCOS.
DHEAS
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
DHEAS
DHEAS
DHEAS (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is an adrenal hormone that can indicate adrenal gland function and PCOS.
DHEAS
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
0.4-16 µmol/L (age- and sex-dependent)
Normal range
DHEAS
Dr. Thiviya Sivakanthan
MBBS
Your Body's Hormone Building Block
Your Body's Hormone Building Block
Your Body's Hormone Building Block
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by your adrenal glands that serves as your body's versatile hormone precursor. Think of DHEAS as your body's hormone workshop material—it gets converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and oestrogen when your body needs them. Unlike many hormones that fluctuate throughout the day, DHEAS maintains stable levels, making it a reliable indicator of your adrenal gland function.
DHEAS follows a fascinating life pattern: levels increase steadily from about age seven, peak in your twenties and thirties, then gradually decline with age. This natural decline explains why DHEAS testing becomes particularly valuable when doctors need to assess whether hormone imbalances are related to normal ageing or underlying health conditions requiring attention.
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) is a steroid hormone produced primarily by your adrenal glands that serves as your body's versatile hormone precursor. Think of DHEAS as your body's hormone workshop material—it gets converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and oestrogen when your body needs them. Unlike many hormones that fluctuate throughout the day, DHEAS maintains stable levels, making it a reliable indicator of your adrenal gland function.
DHEAS follows a fascinating life pattern: levels increase steadily from about age seven, peak in your twenties and thirties, then gradually decline with age. This natural decline explains why DHEAS testing becomes particularly valuable when doctors need to assess whether hormone imbalances are related to normal ageing or underlying health conditions requiring attention.
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
Discover how this versatile hormone precursor provides insights into adrenal gland function and hormone balance throughout your life.
Read more
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
Understanding the factors that affect DHEAS levels and why individual measurements vary significantly with age and gender.
Read more
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
Learn when doctors use DHEAS measurements to investigate hormone-related concerns and monitor adrenal gland health.
Read more
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Understanding Your Results
Decode your numbers and know what different DHEAS levels mean for your hormone health across different life stages.
Read more
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
Normal DHEAS levels indicate that your adrenal glands are producing appropriate amounts of this hormone precursor. DHEAS serves as a useful indicator of adrenal androgen output because of its abundance and stability, making it particularly valuable when doctors need to assess overall adrenal function.
DHEAS testing becomes important when investigating hormone-related symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, or concerns about early or delayed puberty. The test helps investigate delayed or precocious puberty and can assist in diagnosing certain adrenal conditions, providing valuable information about your hormone production capabilities.
Elevated DHEAS levels may suggest increased adrenal activity or specific conditions affecting hormone production. Mild to moderate elevations may be associated with PCOS, whilst pronounced elevations might suggest an adrenal mass. However, context matters enormously—what's elevated for one age group might be completely normal for another.
Low DHEAS levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might indicate reduced adrenal function or other conditions affecting hormone production. This is why doctors always interpret DHEAS results within the context of your age, symptoms, and overall health picture.
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
Normal DHEAS levels indicate that your adrenal glands are producing appropriate amounts of this hormone precursor. DHEAS serves as a useful indicator of adrenal androgen output because of its abundance and stability, making it particularly valuable when doctors need to assess overall adrenal function.
DHEAS testing becomes important when investigating hormone-related symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, or concerns about early or delayed puberty. The test helps investigate delayed or precocious puberty and can assist in diagnosing certain adrenal conditions, providing valuable information about your hormone production capabilities.
Elevated DHEAS levels may suggest increased adrenal activity or specific conditions affecting hormone production. Mild to moderate elevations may be associated with PCOS, whilst pronounced elevations might suggest an adrenal mass. However, context matters enormously—what's elevated for one age group might be completely normal for another.
Low DHEAS levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might indicate reduced adrenal function or other conditions affecting hormone production. This is why doctors always interpret DHEAS results within the context of your age, symptoms, and overall health picture.
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
Normal DHEAS levels indicate that your adrenal glands are producing appropriate amounts of this hormone precursor. DHEAS serves as a useful indicator of adrenal androgen output because of its abundance and stability, making it particularly valuable when doctors need to assess overall adrenal function.
DHEAS testing becomes important when investigating hormone-related symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, or concerns about early or delayed puberty. The test helps investigate delayed or precocious puberty and can assist in diagnosing certain adrenal conditions, providing valuable information about your hormone production capabilities.
Elevated DHEAS levels may suggest increased adrenal activity or specific conditions affecting hormone production. Mild to moderate elevations may be associated with PCOS, whilst pronounced elevations might suggest an adrenal mass. However, context matters enormously—what's elevated for one age group might be completely normal for another.
Low DHEAS levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might indicate reduced adrenal function or other conditions affecting hormone production. This is why doctors always interpret DHEAS results within the context of your age, symptoms, and overall health picture.
When DHEAS Levels Signal Health Changes
Normal DHEAS levels indicate that your adrenal glands are producing appropriate amounts of this hormone precursor. DHEAS serves as a useful indicator of adrenal androgen output because of its abundance and stability, making it particularly valuable when doctors need to assess overall adrenal function.
DHEAS testing becomes important when investigating hormone-related symptoms like irregular periods, excessive hair growth, acne, or concerns about early or delayed puberty. The test helps investigate delayed or precocious puberty and can assist in diagnosing certain adrenal conditions, providing valuable information about your hormone production capabilities.
Elevated DHEAS levels may suggest increased adrenal activity or specific conditions affecting hormone production. Mild to moderate elevations may be associated with PCOS, whilst pronounced elevations might suggest an adrenal mass. However, context matters enormously—what's elevated for one age group might be completely normal for another.
Low DHEAS levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might indicate reduced adrenal function or other conditions affecting hormone production. This is why doctors always interpret DHEAS results within the context of your age, symptoms, and overall health picture.
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
Age represents the most significant factor affecting DHEAS levels, with dramatic changes occurring throughout life. Levels increase steadily from about the seventh year of life, then gradually decline after the third decade, meaning your DHEAS naturally changes as you age, and what's normal varies considerably across different life stages.
Gender differences also influence DHEAS production, with men typically having slightly higher levels than women, though there's considerable overlap between normal ranges.
Stress, both physical and emotional, can affect DHEAS levels since your adrenal glands produce both DHEAS and stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic illness, certain medications, and significant life stresses might influence your adrenal hormone production patterns.
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
Age represents the most significant factor affecting DHEAS levels, with dramatic changes occurring throughout life. Levels increase steadily from about the seventh year of life, then gradually decline after the third decade, meaning your DHEAS naturally changes as you age, and what's normal varies considerably across different life stages.
Gender differences also influence DHEAS production, with men typically having slightly higher levels than women, though there's considerable overlap between normal ranges.
Stress, both physical and emotional, can affect DHEAS levels since your adrenal glands produce both DHEAS and stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic illness, certain medications, and significant life stresses might influence your adrenal hormone production patterns.
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
Age represents the most significant factor affecting DHEAS levels, with dramatic changes occurring throughout life. Levels increase steadily from about the seventh year of life, then gradually decline after the third decade, meaning your DHEAS naturally changes as you age, and what's normal varies considerably across different life stages.
Gender differences also influence DHEAS production, with men typically having slightly higher levels than women, though there's considerable overlap between normal ranges.
Stress, both physical and emotional, can affect DHEAS levels since your adrenal glands produce both DHEAS and stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic illness, certain medications, and significant life stresses might influence your adrenal hormone production patterns.
What Influences Your DHEAS Production
Age represents the most significant factor affecting DHEAS levels, with dramatic changes occurring throughout life. Levels increase steadily from about the seventh year of life, then gradually decline after the third decade, meaning your DHEAS naturally changes as you age, and what's normal varies considerably across different life stages.
Gender differences also influence DHEAS production, with men typically having slightly higher levels than women, though there's considerable overlap between normal ranges.
Stress, both physical and emotional, can affect DHEAS levels since your adrenal glands produce both DHEAS and stress hormones like cortisol. Chronic illness, certain medications, and significant life stresses might influence your adrenal hormone production patterns.
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS testing proves particularly valuable when investigating symptoms that might relate to hormone imbalances, including irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, persistent acne, or unexplained changes in body composition. The test helps doctors understand whether these symptoms relate to adrenal hormone production.
The test has little value in investigating acne, hirsutism, or infertility when used alone, but becomes more meaningful when combined with other hormone measurements and clinical assessment. This highlights why doctors use DHEAS testing strategically rather than as a routine screening tool.
For children and adolescents, DHEAS testing can help assess whether puberty is progressing normally or if early or delayed development warrants further investigation. The test provides objective measurements that help distinguish between normal variation and conditions requiring medical attention.
DHEAS monitoring may also be useful for people with known adrenal conditions or those taking medications that might affect adrenal function, providing ongoing assessment of treatment effectiveness and hormone balance.
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS testing proves particularly valuable when investigating symptoms that might relate to hormone imbalances, including irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, persistent acne, or unexplained changes in body composition. The test helps doctors understand whether these symptoms relate to adrenal hormone production.
The test has little value in investigating acne, hirsutism, or infertility when used alone, but becomes more meaningful when combined with other hormone measurements and clinical assessment. This highlights why doctors use DHEAS testing strategically rather than as a routine screening tool.
For children and adolescents, DHEAS testing can help assess whether puberty is progressing normally or if early or delayed development warrants further investigation. The test provides objective measurements that help distinguish between normal variation and conditions requiring medical attention.
DHEAS monitoring may also be useful for people with known adrenal conditions or those taking medications that might affect adrenal function, providing ongoing assessment of treatment effectiveness and hormone balance.
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS testing proves particularly valuable when investigating symptoms that might relate to hormone imbalances, including irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, persistent acne, or unexplained changes in body composition. The test helps doctors understand whether these symptoms relate to adrenal hormone production.
The test has little value in investigating acne, hirsutism, or infertility when used alone, but becomes more meaningful when combined with other hormone measurements and clinical assessment. This highlights why doctors use DHEAS testing strategically rather than as a routine screening tool.
For children and adolescents, DHEAS testing can help assess whether puberty is progressing normally or if early or delayed development warrants further investigation. The test provides objective measurements that help distinguish between normal variation and conditions requiring medical attention.
DHEAS monitoring may also be useful for people with known adrenal conditions or those taking medications that might affect adrenal function, providing ongoing assessment of treatment effectiveness and hormone balance.
DHEAS Testing in Health Assessment
DHEAS testing proves particularly valuable when investigating symptoms that might relate to hormone imbalances, including irregular menstrual periods, excessive hair growth, persistent acne, or unexplained changes in body composition. The test helps doctors understand whether these symptoms relate to adrenal hormone production.
The test has little value in investigating acne, hirsutism, or infertility when used alone, but becomes more meaningful when combined with other hormone measurements and clinical assessment. This highlights why doctors use DHEAS testing strategically rather than as a routine screening tool.
For children and adolescents, DHEAS testing can help assess whether puberty is progressing normally or if early or delayed development warrants further investigation. The test provides objective measurements that help distinguish between normal variation and conditions requiring medical attention.
DHEAS monitoring may also be useful for people with known adrenal conditions or those taking medications that might affect adrenal function, providing ongoing assessment of treatment effectiveness and hormone balance.
Understanding Your Results
DHEAS levels vary with age and gender, making age-appropriate interpretation essential.
Ages 15-19: 3.6-12 μmol/L (males), 3-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 20-39: 2.6-16 μmol/L (males), 1.8-14 μmol/L (females)
Ages 40-59: 1.3-13 μmol/L (males), 0.8-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 60+: 1.3-10 μmol/L (males), 0.8-5 μmol/L (females)
Normal DHEAS levels for your age and gender suggest appropriate adrenal function and hormone production capabilities. These levels indicate your adrenal glands are producing expected amounts of this hormone precursor. Low levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might warrant further investigation to understand whether reduced adrenal function or other factors are affecting hormone production.
Your healthcare team will interpret results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other hormone measurements to provide comprehensive assessment of your adrenal and hormone health.
Understanding Your Results
DHEAS levels vary with age and gender, making age-appropriate interpretation essential.
Ages 15-19: 3.6-12 μmol/L (males), 3-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 20-39: 2.6-16 μmol/L (males), 1.8-14 μmol/L (females)
Ages 40-59: 1.3-13 μmol/L (males), 0.8-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 60+: 1.3-10 μmol/L (males), 0.8-5 μmol/L (females)
Normal DHEAS levels for your age and gender suggest appropriate adrenal function and hormone production capabilities. These levels indicate your adrenal glands are producing expected amounts of this hormone precursor. Low levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might warrant further investigation to understand whether reduced adrenal function or other factors are affecting hormone production.
Your healthcare team will interpret results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other hormone measurements to provide comprehensive assessment of your adrenal and hormone health.
Understanding Your Results
DHEAS levels vary with age and gender, making age-appropriate interpretation essential.
Ages 15-19: 3.6-12 μmol/L (males), 3-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 20-39: 2.6-16 μmol/L (males), 1.8-14 μmol/L (females)
Ages 40-59: 1.3-13 μmol/L (males), 0.8-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 60+: 1.3-10 μmol/L (males), 0.8-5 μmol/L (females)
Normal DHEAS levels for your age and gender suggest appropriate adrenal function and hormone production capabilities. These levels indicate your adrenal glands are producing expected amounts of this hormone precursor. Low levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might warrant further investigation to understand whether reduced adrenal function or other factors are affecting hormone production.
Your healthcare team will interpret results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other hormone measurements to provide comprehensive assessment of your adrenal and hormone health.
Understanding Your Results
DHEAS levels vary with age and gender, making age-appropriate interpretation essential.
Ages 15-19: 3.6-12 μmol/L (males), 3-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 20-39: 2.6-16 μmol/L (males), 1.8-14 μmol/L (females)
Ages 40-59: 1.3-13 μmol/L (males), 0.8-11 μmol/L (females)
Ages 60+: 1.3-10 μmol/L (males), 0.8-5 μmol/L (females)
Normal DHEAS levels for your age and gender suggest appropriate adrenal function and hormone production capabilities. These levels indicate your adrenal glands are producing expected amounts of this hormone precursor. Low levels, particularly when unexpected for your age, might warrant further investigation to understand whether reduced adrenal function or other factors are affecting hormone production.
Your healthcare team will interpret results alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other hormone measurements to provide comprehensive assessment of your adrenal and hormone health.
The Takeaway
DHEAS serves as your body's versatile hormone building block, which gets converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. Normal age-appropriate levels indicate healthy hormone production, whilst changes may signal conditions requiring medical evaluation.
Working with your healthcare team to interpret DHEAS results within your complete health context ensures accurate assessment and appropriate care.
The Takeaway
DHEAS serves as your body's versatile hormone building block, which gets converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. Normal age-appropriate levels indicate healthy hormone production, whilst changes may signal conditions requiring medical evaluation.
Working with your healthcare team to interpret DHEAS results within your complete health context ensures accurate assessment and appropriate care.
The Takeaway
DHEAS serves as your body's versatile hormone building block, which gets converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. Normal age-appropriate levels indicate healthy hormone production, whilst changes may signal conditions requiring medical evaluation.
Working with your healthcare team to interpret DHEAS results within your complete health context ensures accurate assessment and appropriate care.
The Takeaway
DHEAS serves as your body's versatile hormone building block, which gets converted into more potent hormones like testosterone and oestrogen. Normal age-appropriate levels indicate healthy hormone production, whilst changes may signal conditions requiring medical evaluation.
Working with your healthcare team to interpret DHEAS results within your complete health context ensures accurate assessment and appropriate care.
References
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2024). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate Laboratory Guidelines. NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Protocols.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2022). DHEAS Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Cleveland Clinic. (2025). DHEAS Test: Clinical Applications and Interpretation. Cleveland Clinic Medical References.
Mount Sinai Health System. (2024). DHEA-sulfate Test Reference Guidelines. Mount Sinai Laboratory Medicine
References
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2024). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate Laboratory Guidelines. NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Protocols.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2022). DHEAS Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Cleveland Clinic. (2025). DHEAS Test: Clinical Applications and Interpretation. Cleveland Clinic Medical References.
Mount Sinai Health System. (2024). DHEA-sulfate Test Reference Guidelines. Mount Sinai Laboratory Medicine
References
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2024). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate Laboratory Guidelines. NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Protocols.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2022). DHEAS Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Cleveland Clinic. (2025). DHEAS Test: Clinical Applications and Interpretation. Cleveland Clinic Medical References.
Mount Sinai Health System. (2024). DHEA-sulfate Test Reference Guidelines. Mount Sinai Laboratory Medicine
References
Newcastle Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2024). Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate Laboratory Guidelines. NHS Foundation Trust Clinical Protocols.
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. (2022). DHEAS Clinical Use and Background. NHS Clinical Laboratory Standards.
Cleveland Clinic. (2025). DHEAS Test: Clinical Applications and Interpretation. Cleveland Clinic Medical References.
Mount Sinai Health System. (2024). DHEA-sulfate Test Reference Guidelines. Mount Sinai Laboratory Medicine
Research articles
Research articles
Research articles
Control your preventive health with Emerald
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd
Subscribe to our newsletter
© 2025 Emerald Labs Ltd