Explore this test

  • Test Details
  • Lab Values
  • Clinical Significance
  • Treatment Options
Return to the test menu
DOWNLOAD SPECIMEN PREP FLYER

Explore this test

Test Code 1134

Test Details

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)

DHEA-S is an androgenic steroid secreted by the adrenal cortex and is the major androgen precursor in females.

Methodology

Immunoassay-Competitive principle

Patient Preparation

None

Preferred Specimen

1.0 mL serum (0.5 mL minimum) collected in serum separator tube (SST / Tiger Top)

Alternate Specimen

Dried Blood collected on an AdvanceDx 100 card

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)

Stability

Refrigerated: 14 days

Lab Values

Lab Values

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)

Females

Age Optimal (µg/dL)
1 – 4 0 – 19.4
5 – 9 2.8 – 85.2
10 – 14 33.9 – 280.0
15 – 19 65.1 – 368.0
20 – 24 148 – 407.0
25 – 34 98.8 – 340.0
35 – 44 60.9 – 337.0
45 – 54 35.4 – 256.0
55 – 64 18.9 – 205.0
65 – 74 9.40 – 246.0
≥ 75 12.0 – 154.0

 

Male

Age Optimal (µg/dL)
1 – 4 0 – 19.4
5 – 9 2.8 – 85.2
10 – 14 24.4 – 247.0
15 – 19 70.2 – 492.0
20 – 24 211 – 492.0
25 – 34 160 – 449.0
35 – 44 88.9 – 427.0
45 – 54 44.3 – 331.0
55 – 64 51.7 – 295.0
65 – 74 33.6 – 249.0
≥ 75 16.2 – 123.0
Test Details
Clinical Significance

Clinical Significance

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)

  • Elevated DHEA-S values aid in the diagnosis of hirsutism and virilism
  • Elevated DHEA-S levels may be useful for the diagnosis of:1-4
    • All forms of excess androgen
    • Hyperprolactinemia
    • Polycystic ovarian syndrome
    • Exclusion of an androgen producing tumor of the adrenal cortex
    • Genetic enzyme defects of the adrenal cortex (adrenogenital syndrome)
    • Hyperplasia of the adrenal cortex as well as androgen producing tumors
  • High doses of biotin (> 5 mg/day) may interfere with assay results. Patient assumed to be refraining from biotin supplementation for at least 3 days prior to blood draw.

References:

  1. Bhasin S, Cunningham GR, Hayes FJ, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with androgen deficiency syndromes: Endocrine Society clinical practice guidelines. J Clin Endorcinol Metab. 2010;95(6):2536-2559.
  2. Santen RJ, Allred DC, Ardoin SP, et al. Postmenopausal hormone therapy: an Endocrine Society scientific statement. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(7 Suppl 1):s1-s66.
  3. Kopper NW, Gudeman J, Thompson DJ. Transdermal hormone therapy in postmenopausal women: a review of the metabolic eff ects and drug delivery technologies. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2008;2:193-202.
  4. Goodman N, Cobin RH. Reproductive disorders. In: Camacho PM, Gharib H, Sizemore GW, eds. Evidence-Based Endocrinology. 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2012:190-228.
Lab Values
Treatment Options

Treatment Options

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)

  • Identify etiology of elevated DHEA-S levels with physical assessment and additional diagnostic tests as indicated
  • Treatment is based on etiology of abnormal hormone level
Clinical Significance