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
None
Transport Temperature
Refrigerated (ship on frozen cold packs)
Stability
Refrigerated: 14 days
Lab Values
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
Females
Optimal Values
| Age | µg/dL |
| 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 |
Males
Optimal Values
| Age | µg/dL |
| 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 |
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
